Isolated splenic tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Radiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) typically affects the lungs, but extrapulmonary manifestations can occur.
• Splenic involvement in TB is uncommon, often presenting as part of disseminated disease.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old woman presented with fever and mild anemia.
• Initial laboratory tests were non-specific, showing only elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
• Abdominal ultrasonography revealed splenomegaly with multiple hypoechoic lesions.

Findings:

• Computed tomography (CT)-guided aspiration of splenic lesions was performed.
• Microscopic examination of aspirate revealed acid-fast bacilli, confirming tuberculosis.
• Splenic tuberculosis was the sole identified site of infection.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering rare presentations of tuberculosis.
• Emphasizes the role of advanced imaging and guided biopsy in diagnosing focal organ TB.
• Contributes to the understanding of extrapulmonary tuberculosis presentations.