A case of multidrug-resistant miliary tuberculosis mimicking lymphoma: a matter of life or death

Abstract

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a systemic infectious disease that is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and which can affect many tissues and organs. Despite the development of curative and preventive therapies in recent years, TB continues to be a serious health problem, in the developing countries in particular. Case presentation In this case report, an extraordinary case of miliary tuberculosis with unexplained fever, joint pain, weight loss, pancytopenia, lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, who was clinically suspected of lymphoma and successfully treated with a multidisciplinary approach without any complications, was presented. This case has been reported not because it is a rare case, but to raise awareness. It is a case, where early diagnosis and initiation of treatment early, as well as an individualized and multidisciplinary treatment approach emerged as the most important factors resulting in an improvement prognosis. Conclusion Extrapulmonary TB, if with lymph node involvement in particular, can easily mimic lymphoma. Imaging methods and clinical findings may be insufficient to distinguish these two conditions at the time of diagnosis. In such a case, it will be beneficial for the patient to proceed with an experienced team in the management of the patient.

Keywords

• Lymphadenopathy
• Miliary tuberculosis
• Unexplained fever
• Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis