HIDDEN INTRICACIES: PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS – UNVEILING UNILATERAL MASSES AND ENIGMATIC CHEST PAIN

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) can manifest with atypical presentations, complicating timely diagnosis. This case study details a 23-year-old tiles worker presenting with right-sided chest pain, occasional cough, and reduced appetite. Initial investigations, including X-ray and ultrasound, were unremarkable, while CT and CECT imaging revealed pleural-based soft tissue lesions with cystic changes. Despite negative early CBNAAT tests, a 24-hour CBNAAT conrmed TB, supported by FNAC ndings of caseating tuberculous inammation. This case underscores the importance of recognizing unconventional TB manifestations, particularly in endemic areas, to prevent diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes.