The Annals of thoracic surgery
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The cases of 17 patients with tuberculous pericarditis were reviewed. Thirteen patients had effusive pericarditis, and 10 had surgical drainage of the effusion. ⋯ A pericardial window is recommended for the short-term management of patients suspected of having tuberculous pericarditis with a major pericardial effusion by echocardiography. If a thickened pericardium is found during the window procedure, early pericardiectomy is strongly encouraged.