Case report: widespread tuberculosis in sickle cell disease
Clinical Radiology
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) can experience severe tuberculosis (TB) complications, including disseminated tuberculous osteomyelitis. Diagnosing TB in SCD patients is challenging at all stages of presentation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder associated with increased susceptibility to infections.
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Observation:
- A patient with SCD presented with mesenteric lymphadenopathy and pulmonary tuberculosis.
- The patient experienced a relapse despite receiving triple therapy for TB.
Findings:
- The relapse manifested as disseminated tuberculous osteomyelitis and cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Establishing an accurate diagnosis of TB in SCD patients poses considerable challenges throughout the disease course.
Implications:
- This case highlights the complex interplay between SCD and TB, underscoring the need for heightened clinical suspicion.
- Improved diagnostic strategies are crucial for timely and effective management of TB in immunocompromised individuals like those with SCD.
- Early recognition and treatment are vital to prevent severe morbidity and mortality associated with disseminated TB in SCD patients.
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