Laboratory assessment
Notable elevations of IL-10 and IFN-γ, together with a low level of
bioactive TGF-β in tuberculous pericardial fluid, indicate delayed-type
hypersensitivity response to the pathogen mediated by
Th-1[36]. Elevated pericardial adenosine deaminase
(ADA) activity and lysozyme levels are essential in the Diagnosis of
TBP[37]. It is said that a pericardial ADA
level≥40U/L has a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 83%,
respectively[38]. However, it is not always
possible to obtain pericardial fluid or tissue, especially when the
constriction has occurred. In the endemic area, globulin level higher
than 40g/L, and peripheral leukocyte count less than 10x10^9g/L may
infer an infection of TB. Besides, the positive rates of procalcitonin
(PCT),C-reactive protein (CRP) are high in the serum of patients with
TB. And the measurement of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
level-a marker of ventricular dysfunction and wall stretch-may be useful
in the Diagnosis of CP.