Tuberculosis presenting as septic shock in immunocompetent child: An unusual presentation

Abstract

As per latest Global TB Report (2018), an estimated 2.2 lakh children get tuberculosis (TB) each year in India and illness constitutes a very high global burden. Here we report an unusual case of a child aged 14 years (female), who presented to Emergency with complaints of cough and restlessness for the past 1 day. Working diagnosis of septic shock was kept and child was started on intravenous ionotropes, vasopressors, and an antibiotic. There was no significant history suggestive of TB. Patient was shifted to PICU and managed for shock accordingly. X-ray lung showed single right-sided cavitatory lesion. Bronchoalveolar lavage was positive for acid fast bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary TB. The patient was started on antitubercular drug regimen (ATT) for 6 months and showed significant improvement with complete resolution. Literature was searched for association of septic shock in tubercular patients as a presenting complaint, which is a rare entity.

Keywords

• child
• septic shock
• tuberculosis