Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most significant health\nchallenges in Indonesia. The country currently holds the second-highest\nTB burden in the world after India, contributing approximately 10 per\ncent of total global cases.<\/p>\n
Although it typically begins in the lungs, TB\u2014caused by the\nMycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria\u2014can spread to other organs,\nincluding the heart. This condition is known as extrapulmonary TB.<\/p>\n
Paediatric cardiology consultant, Dr Sarah Rafika Nursyirwan, stated\nthat one type of extrapulmonary TB that requires vigilance is\ntuberculous pericarditis. This is a TB infection that attacks the\npericardium, the thin layer surrounding the heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cTB is still endemic in Indonesia, affecting both children and\nadults. Most TB cases do begin in the lungs. However, under certain\nconditions, the bacteria can spread to other organs such as the\nintestines, the brain, and even the heart membrane, known as TB\npericarditis,\u201d Dr Sarah said during a virtual discussion hosted by the\nIndonesian Pediatric Society, monitored in Jakarta on Tuesday\n(2\/6\/2026).<\/p>\n
She explained that the spread of TB to the heart generally occurs\nwhen pulmonary infections are not properly managed. For instance,\npatient non-compliance with medication, irregular therapy, or the\nemergence of drug resistance can allow the bacteria to continue\nmultiplying and spreading to other organs, including the heart, via the\nbloodstream.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the pericardium undergoes infection and inflammation, tuberculous\npericarditis occurs. In this condition, fluid can accumulate in the\npericardial space, which can interfere with heart function,\u201d she\nadded.<\/p>\n
If the inflammatory process is recurrent or not optimally treated,\nthe condition can develop into constrictive pericarditis. This is a\ncondition where the pericardium thickens and hardens, thereby\nrestricting the movement of the heart as it pumps blood.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver time, the muscles at the back of the heart can also become\nstiff. If left untreated, this can progress into constrictive\npericarditis,\u201d said Dr Sarah.<\/p>\n
According to Dr Sarah, such cases are not uncommon among hospitalised\nchildren, particularly those suffering from malnutrition or severe TB\ninfections with incomplete treatment. Repeated inflammation of the\npericardium causes the tissue around the heart to become increasingly\nstiff, ultimately significantly impairing cardiac function.<\/p>\n
In certain circumstances, invasive medical procedures are required to\nsave patients. \u201cFor example, in cases of constrictive pericarditis,\nheart surgery may be performed to peel or remove the hardened\npericardial membrane. The objective is to ensure that heart movement is\nno longer obstructed,\u201d Dr Sarah concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/incomplete-tuberculosis-treatment-in-children-can-trigger-heart-inflammation-1780839340", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }