Endobronchial Tuberculosis Presenting as a Post-obstructive Pneumonia, Para-hilar Mass Lesion in Chest Radiograph and 'Tumorous' Endobronchial Lesion during Bronchoscopy: A Case Report

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem in India, and accounts for nearly 20-30% of the global TB burden. Prevalence of tuberculosis infection in India is 40%, with pulmonary tuberculosis accounts for 80% cases, and Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) is present in 10-40% of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. EBTB has diverse clinical and radiological presentation and overall scenario is confusing. Normal chest radiograph is present in 10-20% cases in EBTB, and is the common reason for delay in diagnosis. In this case report, a 25 year male presenting as febrile respiratory illness with post-obstructive pneumonia & para-hilar mass in chest radiograph and having tumorous Endobronchial growth during bronchoscopy. We confirm finally as Endobronchial tuberculosis after histopathological evaluation. Gene Xpert is rapid and sensitive test to diagnose EBTB. He is treated with antituberculosis drugs for six months and recovered clinically and radiologically completely. Bronchoscopy is must in all the cases of high index of suspicion of EBTB.