CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF EXTRAPULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF SOUTH INDIA

Tuberculosis (TB) is commonly found in developing countries. Lung is predominantly affected and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is rarely encountered. The clinical features of EPTB can be non-specic that mimics other diseases and is usually misdiagnosed. Thus, it is very important to be aware and be highly suspicious of EPTB infection especially in endemic areas. Although extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) has existed as a disease entity for decades together, it has gained increased importance recently because of the increase in the number of cases. The current study aims at analyzing the various cases of EPTB diagnosed in our hospital in relation to their occurrence at various sites, age and sex predilection and histopathological diagnosis. Thus, it is crucial to always include tuberculosis as part of working diagnosis especially in regions where tuberculosis is endemic until proven otherwise. Hence it is imperative to start treatment early to ensure better response. The diagnosis was made by histopathological examination and positive Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) smears, and were successfully treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs.