Coexistent Tuberculosis of Spine and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Resolving the Diagnostic Dilemma and Management

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) and association with hematological malignancy is well described in literature. Lymphoid malignancies like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) are documented but chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is uncommon. The association of TB and malignancy can be sequential, concurrent or masquerading. We encountered a case posing diagnostic challenge between CML and tuberculosis. The objective to report such a clinical situation is to be aware of such rare possibilities, to analyze the diagnostic methods and subsequent management strategies. Though tuberculosis is usually the first differential diagnosis in endemic areas, it can be overstressed upon and other concurrent pathologies may be missed. Such possibilities should be kept in consideration in cases with poor response or clinical deterioration on antitubercular treatment (ATT). The importance of tissue diagnosis by CT-guided core biopsy as current standard of care is reiterated even in prevalent regions. Multidisciplinary approach is must for optimum outcome. How to cite this article Yadav S, Jayaswal A, Vijayraghavan G, Goswami A. Coexistent Tuberculosis of Spine and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Resolving the Diagnostic Dilemma and Management. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2015;49(2):85-87.