A patient with tuberculous pericarditis in South Africa presents with raised JVP, pulsus paradoxus, and muffled heart sounds. What is the most urgent ...

Question

A patient with tuberculous pericarditis in South Africa presents with raised JVP, pulsus paradoxus, and muffled heart sounds. What is the most urgent intervention?

Accepted Answer

Urgent pericardiocentesis to relieve cardiac tamponade, followed by anti-TB treatment with adjunctive corticosteroids

Answer

Start anti-TB treatment only

Answer

Urgent splenectomy

Answer

Intravenous heparin

Answer

Oral aspirin and bed rest

uk-dtmh MCQ (SBA): TB Pericarditis with Tamponade

A patient with tuberculous pericarditis in South Africa presents with raised JVP, pulsus paradoxus, and muffled heart sounds. What is the most urgent intervention?