Study of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: India ranks fourth among the global Tuberculosis (TB) burden. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) is the causative organism. The extrapulmonary involvement accounts for 10-42% of cases. Among them are the pleura, lymph node and kidney which are the most common organs affected. Other organs affected are quite rare. Aim: To study clinical features, anatomical site and histological findings of the cases with extrapulmonary TB. Materials and Methods: A prospective case series study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for a duration of one year consisting of six cases of TB. Detailed history taking and clinical examination was done followed by blood investigations and radiological evaluation. Gross examination of the specimens followed by histopathological reporting was done. Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain was also performed for the confirmation of the diagnosis. Results: The present study describes six cases of TB each involving kidney, breast, endometrium, testis and two cases involving spleen. Affected patients mostly belonged to the third and fourth decades of life with equal male and female distribution. All the patients who underwent treatment were started on AntiTubercular Drugs (ATD) and were followed-up as well. Conclusion: Tuberculosis presents with a varied spectrum of symptoms. In countries like India, where TB is widely prevalent, it is always suggested to keep the rare possibility of extrapulmonary TB in mind when patients report. A detailed history, combined with thorough physical examination and vital investigations are necessary, particularly in identifying atypical forms of extrapulmonary TB. Histopathological examination is essential for confirmation. Management with ATD is effective.

Keywords

• breast
• endometrium
• kidney
• spleen
• testis