Vasculitis caused by <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> infection in children: report of two cases and literature review

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of vasculitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection （tuberculosis infection） and to deepen clinical professionals' understanding of this condition. Methods Clinical data of two children diagnosed with vasculitis caused by tuberculosis infection were retrospectively analyzed. Relevant studies were searched and reviewed from CNKI， Wanfang Database and PubMed by using the keywords of “vasculitis” “tuberculosis infection” and “child”. Results Two children were admitted to hospital due to recurrent fever complicated with local pain. Vascular ultrasound indicated diffuse thickening or abnormal echoes on the walls of the corresponding vessels. The purified protein derivative （PPD） test and the tuberculosis infection T-cell spot test （T-SPOT） yielded positive results. Chest CT scan suggested pulmonary inflammation， and the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection complicated with vasculitis was confirmed. After anti-tuberculosis treatment， the vascular lesions were cured. According to literature review， vasculitis caused by tuberculosis infection is mainly manifested as aortic dilation or aneurysm， and can also involve the retina and cerebral vessels， etc. Anti-tuberculosis treatment is effective for such vascular lesions. Conclusions Tuberculosis infection can cause vascular lesions， and affect the arteries and veins of different sizes. In clinical practice， for patients with prolonged fever accompanied by local pain， tuberculosis related examination and vascular ultrasound examinations should be conducted to prevent missed diagnosis and misdiagnoses.

Keywords

• <i>mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> infection|vasculitis|anti-tuberculosis treatment|children|vascular ultrasonography