Spectrum of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Tribal District of Himachal Pradesh

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) describes the various conditions caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of organs or tissues outside the lungs. There are many forms of EPTB, affecting every organ system in the body. Some forms, such as TB meningitis and TB pericarditis, are life-threatening, while others such as pleural TB and spinal TB can cause significant ill-health and lasting disability. Diagnosis of EPTB in rural areas itself is a challenge and bears considerable patient cost and time. Regional hospitals like ours have limited diagnostic facilities and patients have to travel to tertiary levels for further work up, diagnosis and management. Purpose of the study is to evaluate the spectrum of disease, its demographic profile and effectiveness of various modalities used in patient workup and diagnosis.