[Difficulties in diagnosing tuberculous pericarditis].

Malignancy was diagnosed cytologically in a 62 year old female with exudative pericarditis. Despite extensive diagnostical procedures the primary source of the neoplasm could not be defined. After 18 months the patient died. Autopsy disclosed tuberculous pericarditis. The authors discussed the differential diagnosis between malignant and tuberculous pericarditis and the reasons for this diagnostical error.