Presentation of tuberculosis as isolated massive pericardial effusion in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

The case of a 60 year old male patient, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis presenting with recurrent massive pericardial effusion, and unresponsive to treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is documented. Pericardial biopsy proved Tuberculous pericarditis with positive fluid culture for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Anti-tuberculous treatment was started along with corticosteroids. Follow up after three months showed no evidence of pericardial effusion.