TITLE:
Unusual Presentations of Tuberculosis: A Case Series
AUTHORS:
Mano Raj Dayalan, Hema Darshinee Johnson, Ganesh Kasinathan, Naganathan Pillai
KEYWORDS:
Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Pleural Effusion, Colitis, Lymphadenitis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.3 No.3,
March
7,
2016
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an air-borne infection caused by the organism
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis that can affect any organ though it commonly
involves infection of the lungs. Given the nature of Extra-Pulmonary
Tuberculosis (EPTB) that has various form of clinical manifestation, diagnosing
EPTB remains a challenge. Background: This report discusses three cases of EPTB
that posed diagnostic and management challenges. The first case presented as
pleural effusion and TB was diagnosed on pleural biopsy. The second case
presented with abdominal pain and mass in the right iliac fossa. Final
diagnosis of tuberculous colitis was made post-laparotomy and he underwent
successful anti-tuberculous treatment. The third case presented with a single
enlarged cervical lymph node and a typical history. Investigations were
suggestive of tuberculous lymphadenitis and patient showed a positive response
to anti-tuberculous treatment. Conclusion: EPTB has various forms of clinical
manifestation, which imposes diagnostic and treatment challenges. Thus, it is
crucial to always include tuberculosis as part of working diagnosis especially
in regions where tuberculosis is endemic until proven otherwise. Hence it is
imperative to start treatment early to ensure better response.