Extrapulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) constitutes about 15%-20% of all TB patients but accounts for 50% among HIV-coinfected. Confirmation of microbial diagnosis of EPTB is usually challenging. Areas covered: Availability of newer imaging modalities like 18FDG-PET-CT, PET-MRI, has facilitated precise anatomical localization of the lesions and mapping the extent of EPTB. The use of image-, endoscopy-guided invasive diagnostic methods has made procurement of tissue/body fluids for diagnostic testing possible. With the advent of universal drug-susceptibility testing, a rapid diagnosis of drug-resistance is now possible in EPTB. Drug-susceptible EPTB usually responds well to first-line anti-TB treatment; TB meningitis, bone and joint TB and lymph node TB often require longer duration of treatment. Expert opinion: Adjunctive use of corticosteroids in the initial period is recommended in central nervous system and pericardial TB. Surgical intervention is helpful to obtain tissue samples for diagnosis. Adjunctive surgical treatment along with medical treatment is useful in treating complications like hydrocephalus, Pott’s spine. Follow-up of EPTB patients is crucial as treatment is usually longer, requires recognition of development of immune reconstitution and inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), monitoring of adverse events, serious adverse events like anti-TB drug-induced hepatotoxicity, organ-related complications and treatment adherence.