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Endobronchial tuberculosis: report of three cases
European Journal of Respiratory Diseases
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Chronic cough and normal chest X-rays can mask serious tuberculosis (TB) infections. Bronchoscopy revealed tuberculous lesions, highlighting the need for invasive diagnostics in persistent respiratory symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Chronic cough is a common symptom with a broad differential diagnosis.
- Standard initial investigations like physical examination and chest X-ray (CXR) can be normal in certain conditions.
- Tuberculosis (TB) can present with atypical or subtle respiratory manifestations.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with prolonged chronic cough.
- Initial physical examinations were unremarkable.
- Standard chest X-rays did not reveal any abnormalities.
Findings:
- Fiberoptic bronchoscopy identified ulcerohaemorrhagic and/or stenotic lesions in the airways.
- Histopathological examination confirmed these lesions were tuberculous in origin.
- One patient experienced severe, life-threatening haemoptysis requiring surgical intervention (pneumonectomy).
Implications:
- Bronchoscopy is crucial for diagnosing endobronchial tuberculosis when initial imaging is negative.
- Tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic cough, even with normal CXRs.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are vital to prevent severe complications like massive haemoptysis.