An Unusual Presentation of Renal Tuberculosis During Pregnancy

Abstract

Abbreviations and AcronymsESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate GUTB = genitourinary tuberculosis M. tuberculosis = Mycobacterium tuberculosis TB = tuberculosis WHO = World Health Organization ABSTRACT Reports from the World Health Organization estimate that nearly one third of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The present case is a 33-year-old woman who was pregnant in the first trimester. She presented with mild fever and left flank pain and was treated for renal abscess. Postpartum investigations revealed renal tuberculosis (TB), necessitating medical treatment and open surgery drainage. The diagnosis of genitourinary TB is difficult because its symptoms are nonspecific, but early diagnosis is essential for successful management. Screening of TB should be considered for the following groups of pregnant women: (1) patients with symptoms suggestive of TB; (2) patients with HIV infection; (3) patients who were in close contact with infectious TB;and (4) patients who recently visited countries with high TB-prevalence. The authors report the case with a review of the literature.