A 21-Year Old Male with Hemoptysis and Central Chest Pain

Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) remains a diagnostic challenge due to its protean clinical presentation and absence of radiographic findings in 20% of the cases. In this report, we described a case of EBTB in a man who was presented to the emergency department with chest pain and hemoptysis. Case Presentation: A 21-year-old man who was presented to the emergency department with a 3-day hemoptysis and central chest pain. His past medical history was not remarkable. Chest computed tomography and bronchoscopy were performed and the lesion was biopsied; EBTB was confirmed based on histologic and microbiological evidences. A daily regimen of four-drug antitubercular therapy (ATT) was initiated and the patient was discharged home to follow tuberculosis clinic monthly. During the last follow-up visit, the patient did not show any symptoms and the repetition of the physical examination was not remarkable. Investigations showed a negative smear sputum, normal chest X-ray, and Normal Respiratory Function test. Conclusions: EBTB is a variant form of tuberculosis infection with a nonspecific clinical presentation and often, undetectable AFB in sputum smears. The lesion can be detected early by chest computed tomography and bronchoscopy, and the prognosis is good if the disease is confirmed and treated early.