Tuberculous pericarditis can manifest in distinct clinical forms. This protocol addresses the combined effusive-constrictive presentation — a pattern characterised by simultaneous pericardial fluid and constrictive haemodynamic features, which poses specific diagnostic and management challenges.
Tuberculous pericarditis presents clinically in three recognised forms: pericardial effusion, constrictive pericarditis, and a combined form — effusion together with constriction. The effusive-constrictive variant is the focus of this protocol.
Management involves antituberculosis therapy alongside serial monitoring for structural changes in the pericardium. When a specific structural change develops, a surgical intervention targeting the pericardial wall becomes the key next step — the full structured algorithm specifying indications, sequencing, and monitoring criteria is available via the protocol.