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A case report of ocular tuberculosis in a patient with membranous nephropathy
Xiaofang Yin1, Haibo Ge1, Ruifen Miao2
1Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine.
Rationale:
Membranous nephropathy (MN), a chronic kidney disease (CKD), due to hypoproteinemia, malnutrition, anemia, long-term intake of immunosuppressive agents, changes in cellular immune state, and decrease in antimicrobial peptides, is a high risk for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, which can cause tuberculosis (TB). TB manifests by various clinical symptoms. Ocular symptoms is a rare presentation of TB. Here, we describe a case of ocular tuberculosis in a patient with MN.
Patient Concerns:
A 63-year-old man with membranous nephropathy (MN) history presented with ocular symptoms.
Diagnoses:
According to the pathological manifestations of ocular tissue biopsy and a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on samples from sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), we elicited a diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis.
Intervention:
The patient received antituberculous therapy and immunosuppressive therapy.
Outcomes:
The clinical manifestations significantly improved.
Lessons:
Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of TB in cases of immunocompromised patients and perform an appropriate diagnostic work-up for TB.
Insights
Patients with membranous nephropathy (MN) are at high risk for tuberculosis (TB). This case highlights rare ocular TB presentation in an immunocompromised patient, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a chronic kidney disease (CKD) that increases the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, leading to tuberculosis (TB).
- Immunocompromised states associated with MN can predispose patients to disseminated infections.
- Tuberculosis can present with diverse clinical manifestations, including rare ocular symptoms.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male patient with a history of membranous nephropathy presented with ocular symptoms.
- Ocular tissue biopsy and positive PCR results from sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid confirmed disseminated tuberculosis.
Findings:
- The patient received a diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis.
- Antituberculous therapy and immunosuppressive therapy were initiated for the patient.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis in immunocompromised patients, even with atypical presentations like ocular symptoms.
- Early recognition and appropriate diagnostic work-up for TB are crucial for effective management in patients with chronic kidney disease and immunosuppression.
- Awareness among clinicians regarding rare TB manifestations is essential for timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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