Disseminated tuberculosis: Challenges in diagnosis

Disseminated tuberculosis: Challenges in diagnosis

Introduction: Disseminated tuberculosis is difficult to identify and probably underdiagnosed. Its prevalence in non-HIV patients is rising and a high index of suspicion must always be present, especially when other diseases are present, because there is usually considerable signs and symptoms overlap between them. Also, difficulties in obtaining adequate tissue specimens and body fluids is freq...

Pancytopenia in disseminated tuberculosis.

Radiological Dependence in Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Introduction: Diagnosis of tuberculosis under the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP) is based on microscopic examination of sputum. The main objective of this study was to assess the perception of physicians and patients regarding the importance of chest X-ray in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis with a view to suggest corrective measures. Materials & Methods: One hundred and eight...

Leukaemoid reactions in disseminated tuberculosis.

Secondary haematological changes in tuberculosis may mimic many blood dyscrasias, including leukaemia. The appearance of primitive white cells in the peripheral blood is probably more common in disseminated than in pulmonary tuberculosis (Muller, 1943; O'Brien, 1954). The reaction may involve any cell type: myeloid reactions have been reported by Marzullo and deVeer (1931) and Custer and Crocke...

Disseminated multi-organ tuberculosis.

A 58-year-old immunocompetent man presented with a 6-month history of cough, fever and swelling of the upper chest wall. Computed tomography showed involvement of the clavicle, sternum, lungs, pleura and pericardium. Trans-bronchial biopsy of the lungs, and surgical debridement with partial resection of the manubrium revealed infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Figs. 1 and 2). Fig. 1. Co...