Pericardial Drainage by Xyphoidian Route at the Chu Point G

Tuberculosis is a public health problem in Mali. Pulmonary localization is the most frequent and extra-pulmonary involvement, in particular serous, is possible. In this study, we analyze our results of surgical pericardial drainage in tuberculous pericarditis. Methodology: We carried out a retrospective study at the CHU Point G over a period of five years from January 2012 to December 2017. The histological examination carried out on all the surgical specimens made it possible to retain the diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis. Results: We identified and operated on 49 cases of tuberculous pericarditis, i.e. 70% of the pericardial drainage performed during the same period. The average age was 31.5 years (28 men and 21 women). The most common clinical signs were dyspnea (61.2%), chest pain (26.6%) and fever (12.2%). Pericardial drainage with pericardial biopsy was performed by xiphoid route in all of our patients. The mortality and morbidity rates were 4.1% and 8.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Pericardial tuberculosis attacks are frequent in Mali. The etiological diagnosis is based on the histology of the pericardial biopsy which can only be obtained surgically.