Uncommon Presentation of ...

Age: A 21-years-old male - Presenting Complaint: Severe breathing difficulty, generalized swelling, non-pitting scrotal swelling - Duration: Progressive over the last 30 days - Associated Symptoms: Cough Clinical Findings: - Severe pericardial effusion - Low platelet count (CBNAAT positive) - Hemoglobin: 5 gm% - SpO2: 80% on room air - Initial negative results for Dengue and Malaria tests Intervention: - Pericardial tapping: Approximately 600ml fluid removed - Diagnosis confirmed with positive CBNAAT - Anti-Tubercular Treatment (ATT) initiated Outcome: - Patient discharged without oxygen requirement - Continued ATT at home Conclusion: This case highlights an unusual presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in a young adult with massive pericardial effusion, leading to severe respiratory distress. Timely intervention, including pericardial tapping and initiation of ATT, resulted in a favorable outcome with the patient being discharged without the need for oxygen support. This case underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis in atypical clinical presentations, especially in regions where it is endemic.