CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EXTRAPULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AT DR. ZAINOEL ABIDIN GENERAL HOSPITAL IN 2024

Background: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that affects organs outside the lungs and presents with diverse clinical manifestations. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis at dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh, in 2024. This research employed a descriptive retrospective design using secondary data from medical records of patients diagnosed with extrapulmonary tuberculosis between January and December 2024, using a total sampling technique. A total of 108 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that most patients were male and within the 19–44-year age group. The most common site of infection was bone tuberculosis, found in 44 subjects (40.7%), followed by lymph nodes and pleura. Molecular rapid testing (TCM) was performed on 43 subjects, with M. tuberculosis detected in 19 subjects (17.6%). The most frequently performed radiological examination was vertebral MRI (37.5%), which demonstrated lesions consistent with bone tuberculosis. Histopathological examination was carried out in 59 subjects, with 42 subjects (38.9%) showing typical features of tuberculosis, including granulomas with caseous necrosis, Langhans giant cells, lymphocytic infiltration, or the presence of TB bacilli. Most patients (91.7%) completed their treatment, and diabetes mellitus (17.6%) was the most common comorbidity. In conclusion, extrapulmonary tuberculosis at dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital in 2024 was more prevalent among males of productive age, with bones being the most frequently affected site.