Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in immunocompetent adults

Tuberculosis continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Although tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs, other organs can also be affected, leading to extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPT) or disseminated tuberculosis. This study retrospectively analysed the incidence, clinical sites and risk factors for EPT in 252 patients with EPT between 1 January 1991 and 30 June 2003. EPT was defined as clinical, laboratory, imaging, and/or histopathological evidence of mycobacterial infection in a site other than hilar lymph nodes or lung parenchyma. In our study group, tuberculous lymphadenitis (36.5%) was found to be the most common clinical presentation of EPT. 119 (47.2%) patients developed the severe form of EPT, according to the WHO report, and 133 (52.8%) patients developed the less severe form. A case history of pulmonary tuberculosis was found to be a risk factor for the development of EPT (p <0.05). The study showed that EPT is still a public health problem. These findings suggested that pulmonary tuberculosis may play a critical role in the development of EPT. 12-month therapy may be chosen in patients with EPT considering acceptable adverse effects without relapses.