Relevance of adenosine deaminase and lysozyme measurements in the diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis.

Objective: To assess the value of pericardial fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) and pericardial lysozyme (Lys) as tools in diagnosing tuberculous pericarditis.

Methods: Forty-one patients (age range 17--77 years) with significant pericardial effusion were included in the study. Diagnostic pericardiocentesis and pericardial biopsy were performed while serum and pericardial fluid ADA and Lys were measured in all patients.