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Published on: September 5, 2017
Disseminated tuberculosis presenting as febrile seizures with fatal evolution in an infant
Ileana Octavia Petrescu1, Cristian Gheonea, Cosmin Sebastian Voican
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania; cgheonea@gmail.com.
Insights
Disseminated tuberculosis is rare in immunocompetent infants, affecting the brain, liver, and gut. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a better outcome in these complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) is uncommon in immunocompetent infants.
- Tuberculosis involving the central nervous system, liver, and gastrointestinal tract presents unique diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- An 11-month-old boy presented with fever, seizures, and hemodynamic instability.
- The infant had a history of recurrent respiratory infections and exposure to active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Findings:
- The infant was diagnosed with disseminated tuberculosis affecting the brain, liver, abdominal lymph nodes, small bowel, and lungs.
- Despite family chemoprophylaxis, the infant developed severe disseminated disease.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering disseminated TB in infants with non-specific symptoms and a relevant exposure history.
- Prompt diagnosis and initiation of anti-tuberculosis therapy are critical for managing this severe pediatric condition.
Abstract:
Disseminated tuberculosis with the involvement of brain, liver and gut is a rare disease in immunocompetent infant. Early diagnostic and instauration of anti-tuberculosis therapy is capital because the outcome is poor. Here, we report the case of an 11-month-old boy with disseminated tuberculosis of brain, liver abdominal lymph nodes, small bowel and lung, which presented with fever, generalized tonic-clonic seizure, hemodynamic instability and a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections. His father was diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis six month ago and family members completed an anti-tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis regimen.
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