Disseminated tuberculosis.

Abstract

Even though effective chemotherapeutic regimens are available for treatment of tuberculosis (TB), disseminated tuberculosis (DT) continues to be a challenge to physicians. DT represents the unchecked haematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It has been reported that 1.3% of all TB cases are classified as DT. Patients with DT present with a febrile illness of 2 to 4 months' duration. Organomegaly affecting liver, spleen and lymph nodes can be seen in DT. The radiological findings of DT associated with HIV infection are similar to those seen in HIV-seronegative patients. The value of high resolution computed tomography in DT is to demonstrate miliary pattern when chest radiographic findings are atypical or even normal. DT patients may have a mild normochromic anaemia with a normal white blood cell count. Leukaemoid reaction can occur in DT, but pancytopenia is rare. Pulmonary function studies show a mild restrictive ventilatory defect with diffusion defect in cases of pulmonary miliary tuberculosis. Treatment of DT is same as that for pulmonary tuberculosis. Replacement treatment with corticosteroids should be given in tuberculosis patients with adrenal insufficiency. The overall mortality from DT is nearly 20%.