Disseminated tuberculosis presenting with polymorphonuclear effusion and septic shock in an HIV-seropositive patient: a case report

Abstract

IntroductionBecause a substantial number of patients present with few or atypical symptoms, the recognition of tuberculosis remains challenging. Disseminated tuberculosis presenting with septic shock has already been described in some case reports, but, to the best of our knowledge, it has never been associated with polymorphonuclear effusion.Case presentationWe describe the case of a 27-year-old man from western Africa who was seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus. He presented with pleural and abdominal polymorphonuclear effusions and quickly developed septic shock due to disseminated Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection leading to multiple organ failure and death.ConclusionIn high-risk patients, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection should be considered even in exceptional clinical presentations, such as septic shock and polymorphonuclear effusions.

Disseminated tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients from the Regional HIV/AIDS Center Constanța, Romania

“…Only a few clinical reports described pericardium, liver, spleen, peritoneum or pancreas involvement, [17][18][19] with unfavorable outcome, similar to our study.…”

“…These findings in HIV-infected patients can present a diagnostic challenge. [16][17][18][19] Furthermore, asymptomatic subclinical TB infection has been described, particularly in locations with a high prevalence of TB.…”