Disseminated Tuberculosis Complicated by Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Tuberculosis (TB) is a multisystem infectious disease with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations. TB can also induce a hypercoagulable state, setting off a cascade of changes in the body, including systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and abnormalities in the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. Collectively, these factors significantly increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. These complications can worsen the overall disease course and complicate TB management. We report the case of a 27-year-old man presenting with high-grade fever, abdominal pain, and significant weight loss. Imaging suggested tuberculous peritonitis, and computed tomography pulmonary angiography revealed pulmonary thromboembolism, a rare but serious TB-associated complication. Omental biopsy confirmed TB based on histopathology and GeneXpert. Despite the initiation of anti-tubercular therapy and anticoagulation, the patient developed osteomyelitis of the right iliac bone with an intramuscular abscess, which tested positive for <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>. This case highlights the thrombotic and multisystemic nature of TB and the need for vigilance in identifying its uncommon complications.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-08-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.89662
Primary Topic
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
Type
article
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article

Disseminated Tuberculosis Complicated by Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Koushik Muthu Raja Mathivanan, Preeti K. Suresh
Cureus
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
article

Disseminated Tuberculosis Complicated by Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Koushik Muthu Raja Mathivanan, Preeti K. Suresh
article en

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a multisystem infectious disease with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations. TB can also induce a hypercoagulable state, setting off a cascade of changes in the body, including systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and abnormalities in the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. Collectively, these factors significantly increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. These complications can worsen the overall disease course and complicate TB management. We report the case of a 27-year-old man presenting with high-grade fever, abdominal pain, and significant weight loss. Imaging suggested tuberculous peritonitis, and computed tomography pulmonary angiography revealed pulmonary thromboembolism, a rare but serious TB-associated complication. Omental biopsy confirmed TB based on histopathology and GeneXpert. Despite the initiation of anti-tubercular therapy and anticoagulation, the patient developed osteomyelitis of the right iliac bone with an intramuscular abscess, which tested positive for <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>. This case highlights the thrombotic and multisystemic nature of TB and the need for vigilance in identifying its uncommon complications.

CureusVol. 17(8)
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (IN), Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre (IN)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 63%
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
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Disseminated Tuberculosis Complicated by Pulmonary Thromboembolism — Koushik Muthu Raja Mathivanan, Preeti K. Suresh · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS