Urogenital tuberculosis in a patient with persistent sterile pyuria

Urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB) can be a challenging diagnosis, and a delay in treatment may lead to irreversible organ damage. We report the case of a Guinean man in his 40s, residing in Portugal, who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms, urethral discharge and a right scrotal mass. Laboratory results revealed acute kidney injury, hypercalcaemia and persistent sterile pyuria, and ultrasound findings were suggestive of orchiepididymitis. Interferon gamma release assay was positive, as were the urine cultures for <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>, confirming the diagnosis of UGTB. The patient was initiated on tuberculostatic drugs, with a favourable response. This case emphasises the high degree of suspicion needed to establish the diagnosis of UGTB, which should be considered in patients with persistent sterile pyuria and a relevant epidemiological context.

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Publication Details

Journal
BMJ Case Reports
Published
2025-03-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2024-264594
Primary Topic
Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis
Type
article
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article

Urogenital tuberculosis in a patient with persistent sterile pyuria

Gonçalo Pimenta, Rita Birne, Tiago Carvalho, Maria Inês Roxo
BMJ Case Reports
Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis
article

Urogenital tuberculosis in a patient with persistent sterile pyuria

Gonçalo Pimenta, Rita Birne, Tiago Carvalho, Maria Inês Roxo
article en

Abstract

Urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB) can be a challenging diagnosis, and a delay in treatment may lead to irreversible organ damage. We report the case of a Guinean man in his 40s, residing in Portugal, who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms, urethral discharge and a right scrotal mass. Laboratory results revealed acute kidney injury, hypercalcaemia and persistent sterile pyuria, and ultrasound findings were suggestive of orchiepididymitis. Interferon gamma release assay was positive, as were the urine cultures for <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>, confirming the diagnosis of UGTB. The patient was initiated on tuberculostatic drugs, with a favourable response. This case emphasises the high degree of suspicion needed to establish the diagnosis of UGTB, which should be considered in patients with persistent sterile pyuria and a relevant epidemiological context.

BMJ Case ReportsVol. 18(3)
Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (PT), Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental (PT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 93%
Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis
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