Abstract
Introduction: Miliary tuberculosis (tb) is a disseminated form of tuberculosis which may involve the lungs and other organs. It is a rare but potentially lethal form of tuberculosis seen mostly in immunocompromised patients. It is, however, not commonly reported in immunocompetent hosts. case report: We present a case of a 67-year-old African-American male who presented with persistent non-productive cough for three weeks, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. there was no history of active tb contacts, HIV infection, or other predisposing factor for immunosuppression. Physical examination was also unremarkable. chest X-ray and computed tomography scan revealed bilateral extensive small nodular infiltrates with negative serial acid-fast sputum smears. Acid-fast bacilli were detected in sputum culture at four weeks and were identified by DNA probe as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. conclusion: Miliary tuberculosis is a potentially lethal form of tuberculosis that mostly affects immunosuppressed patients, although in rare occasions can also affect immunocompetent adults.
Highlights
Miliary tuberculosis (TB) is a disseminated form of tuberculosis which may involve the lungs and other organs
Case Report: We present a case of a 67-year-old African-American male who presented with persistent non-productive cough for three weeks, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss
Miliary tuberculosis (TB) is a rare form of TB infection that results from massive lympho-hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli
Summary
Miliary tuberculosis (TB) is a rare form of TB infection that results from massive lympho-hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli. [1] It involves mostly the lungs but may affect several other organs in the body. A 67-year-old African-American male with a history of hypertension for 10 years, atrial flutter on Coumadin for four years, localized prostate cancer status post radiation therapy in remission came to the emergency room for persistent non-productive cough for 2–3 weeks and watery diarrhea with colicky abdominal pain for about 10 days for which he was prescribed antibiotics and antitussives by his primary medical care provider with no relief He complained of fatigue, malaise, poor appetite, and significant weight loss (about 9.07 kg in 2–3 months). The diagnostic possibility of miliary TB and possible anti-TB treatment was discussed with the patient owing to the classic radiologic findings despite negative serial AFP smears He refused treatment at the time because he felt relatively well and had never had any contact with TB.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
