Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (Jan 2017)

Miliary tuberculosis with pulmonary and extrapulmonary component complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome

  • Bhupen Barman,
  • Iadarilang Tiewsoh,
  • Kyrshanlang G Lynrah,
  • Baphira Wankhar,
  • Taso Beyong,
  • Neel Kanth Issar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.222031
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 3
pp. 688 – 690

Abstract

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Miliary tuberculosis results from the lymphohematogenous spread of the tubercle bacilli to the vascular beds in the lungs and other organs. Diagnosis is made by clinical judgment and chest X-ray showing miliary mottling of the lung fields. Another imaging study like computed tomography imaging of the lungs and abdomen can also be supportive in diagnosing miliary tuberculosis. We present a case of miliary tuberculosis in an immunocompetent young male with atypical manifestation of a left-sided pleural effusion and a life-threatening complication of acute respiratory distress syndrome during hospital stay which required noninvasive mechanical ventilation and steroids therapy, along with antitubercular medication.

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