51-year-old female suffers four cardiac arrests in a week due to severe tuberculosis

New Delhi, February 10, 2022:

Doctors at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute successfully treated a 51-year-old female for massive heart failure. What was unusual was that the patient had also been diagnosed with tuberculosis, which had resulted in heart failure. Managing the comorbidities simultaneously, while ensuring the patient remained stable was challenging. A team of doctors, led by Dr. Vivudh Pratap Singh, Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute managed the case.

The patient reported at the emergency of Fortis Escorts Hospital with severe breathlessness and swelling all over the body. An ECHO and initial clinical examination revealed massive fluid accumulation around the heart which impacted the pumping capacity of the heart. This further led to drop in blood pressure and looking at her deteriorating health condition, the patient was introduced to medicine therapy to control rising blood pressure. At this stage, it was really important to improve the pumping capacity of the heart which was possible only by draining the fluid. As the first step, she was given anti-tubercular therapy. The diagnosis confirmed the patient was suffering from Tuberculosis.

Dr. Vivudh Pratap Singh, Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute said, “It was a challenging and rare case. During the Anti-Tubercular therapy, we faced another challenge, when the patient started having incessant fast heart rate (ventricular tachyarrhythmia). She had already suffered four cardiac arrests within the week. The patient was given cardiac massage and shocks and she was successfully resuscitated without any ventilator support. After discussion with relatives, an ICD (A special type of pacemaker which gives shock in fast heart rate) was implanted. Tuberculosis is mostly considered a common ailment associated with fever, as the only symptom, but in our country where it is still prevalent; its effect on heart mostly goes undiagnosed. With timely diagnosis and correct line of treatment, TB can be managed.”

Mr. Bidesh Chandra Paul, Zonal Director, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, New Delhi said, “The team at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute left no stone unturned in saving the life of the patient. A thorough evaluation, adequate monitoring and medical care provided by the team ensured that either of the conditions did not worsen and the patient recovered.  It was a very risky and medically challenging case, and our doctors gave their 100% to save the life of the patient. I applaud the team for their continued commitment towards clinical expertise and patient care.”

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