Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Case Series: Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Systematic Study of Case Series

Tuberculosis is an air-borne infection caused by the organism Mycobacterium Tuberculosis that can affect any organ though it commonly involves infection of the lungs. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis accounts for 15% of all cases. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is defined as any bacteriologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed case of TB involving organs other than the lungs. The incidence of EPTB increases in immune compromised status nowadays. We share four cases of extra pulmonary tuberculosis with presentation as, rectal discharge, cellulitis, splenic abscess and scrotal discharge. Diagnosis may be delayed as a result of nonspecific clinical manifestations that progress slowly and the low sensitivity of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear on extrapulmonary specimens. Microbiologic proof is the key to diagnosis and treatment, and tissue biopsy is frequently required. Other supportive findings are granulomas and positive AFB stain on pathology, and chest x-ray findings. A review of literature including the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment options are discussed.