Atelectasis as a Complication of Tuberculosis: a Case Report

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacillus called Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Koch's Bacillus (BK). It is associated with various long-term lung complications, including: lung scarring (fibrosis), bronchiectasis, Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, and more rarely, atelectasis. There is however very limited data in literature on the full spectrum of these complications, and relies mostly on case reports and small case series.
 Case: The authors report a case of atelectasis in a patient with previous diagnosis of Tuberculosis. Normal laboratory tests and imaging test presenting right lung atelectasis. Went under respiratory therapy, presented improve and is under clinical control.
 Conclusion: There is a huge importance of knowing the various methods to diagnose this disease and treat it well. Thus, it enables an improvement in the patient and a reduction in the spread of bacteria.