Respiratory failure caused by tuberculous pneumonia requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

While a common pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) pneumonitis is only rarely reported as a cause for respiratory failure in developed countries. We report an adolescent with TB pneumonitis and respiratory failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with eventual survival. With the incidence of TB rising globally, TB should be suspected and treated as early as possible. ECMO should be considered as a treatment option if conventional ventilatory support is inadequate. ECMO survival with TB pneumonia and anti-TB antimicrobial therapy is possible.