Miliary tuberculosis with pulmonary and extrapulmonary component complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome

• Main Authors: Bhupen Barman, Iadarilang Tiewsoh, Kyrshanlang G Lynrah, Baphira Wankhar, Taso Beyong, Neel Kanth Issar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
• Subjects: Acute respiratory distress syndrome; miliary tuberculosis; pleural effusion
• Online Access: http://www.jfmpc.com/article.asp?issn=2249-4863;year=2017;volume=6;issue=3;spage=688;epage=690;aulast=Barman

Miliary tuberculosis results from the lymphohematogenous spread of the tubercle bacilli to the vascular beds in the lungs and other organs. Diagnosis is made by clinical judgment and chest X-ray showing miliary mottling of the lung fields. Another imaging study like computed tomography imaging of the lungs and abdomen can also be supportive in diagnosing miliary tuberculosis. We present a case of miliary tuberculosis in an immunocompetent young male with atypical manifestation of a left-sided pleural effusion and a life-threatening complication of acute respiratory distress syndrome during hospital stay which required noninvasive mechanical ventilation and steroids therapy, along with antitubercular medication.