TB Research

Abdominal Tuberculosis Presenting as Anemia Refractory to Standard Therapy in an Elderly Male

Gaurav Sharma, Deepa Rani, Ashish Verma, Sankha Shubhra Chakrabarti

Journal of The Indian Academy of Geriatrics · 2023-10

Abstract

Abstract India bears a significant proportion of tuberculosis cases, accounting for approximately 28% of the global burden. Among the reported global cases, around 16% constitute extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). EPTB diagnosis and treatment are usually challenging. The diagnosis frequently requires the application of contemporary methods, such as acquiring extrapulmonary samples and utilizing advanced diagnostic tools that involve immunological and molecular techniques. Here, we present a case of an elderly male who presented with constitutional symptoms and severe anemia which was refractory to standard hematinic and transfusion therapy. The patient was diagnosed to be a case of abdominal tuberculosis and improved with antitubercular therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Extrapulmonary tuberculosis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Anemia
  • Refractory (planetary science)
  • Abdominal tuberculosis
  • Intensive care medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Internal medicine
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis