Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1994. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis. A review.
Arch Fam Med. 1992 Sep;1(1):91-8. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/94084148 Elder NC; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Oregon Health; Sciences University, Portland.
Abstract:
The increase in cases of tuberculosis that has occurred with the increasing number of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has focused attention on the problems in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis. While it is primarily considered a pulmonary disease, tuberculosis has the potential to infect almost every organ system via lymphohematogenous dissemination during the initial pulmonary infection. Since 1984 the incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis has increased at an even faster rate than that of pulmonary tuberculosis. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is considered a diagnostic criterion in the case definition of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Immunocompromised individuals, such as patients with HIV, are at increased risk for extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The clinical manifestations are often nonspecific and insidious, and diagnosis may be delayed for years. Cases of miliary and meningeal tuberculosis are an exception, and they often constitute medical emergencies. Tuberculosis skin tests should be performed on all individuals suspected of having tuberculosis, but a negative test result does not exclude the diagnosis. Chest roentgenograms will often show signs of old or active pulmonary tuberculosis. Microscopic examination and culture of infected body fluids and/or tissue are necessary for definitive diagnosis. Treatment is with standard antituberculous medications. Short-course therapy (6 or 9 months) is probably adequate in most patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis, but patients with human immunodeficiency viral infection need longer treatment. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is a persistent problem in the United States and will become more prevalent as the number of patients with HIV increases. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose and treat extrapulmonary tuberculosis in a timely and health-preserving manner.
Keywords: Female Human Lymphadenitis Male Skin Tests Tuberculosis/*DIAGNOSIS/DRUG THERAPY/EPIDEMIOLOGY Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis, Meningeal Tuberculosis, Miliary Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular Tuberculosis, Peritoneal Tuberculosis, Pleural Tuberculosis, Urogenital JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL 940330
M9431014
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1994. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
