TB Research

Death associated with miliary tuberculosis (Koch’s disease): A case report

Erna Ahsan, Dhinesh Saravanan, Amit Jangid, Yashpal, Ravi Hari Phulware

Medico-Legal Journal · 2026-02

Abstract

Miliary tuberculosis is a disseminated form of tuberculosis (TB) that is often life-threatening. Due to its vague and diverse clinical presentation in some instances the diagnosis is only confirmed postmortem. A 42-year-old male presented to the emergency department in an altered mental state. Despite intensive management, he succumbed to cardiac arrest. An autopsy revealed disseminated granulomas in multiple organs, with Ziehl-Neelsen staining confirming miliary tuberculosis. Septicaemia was declared the cause of death, highlighting the challenge of diagnosing miliary TB antemortem. Healthcare practitioners must prioritise early and comprehensive examination of high-risk tuberculosis patients and improve awareness.

MeSH terms

  • Miliary tuberculosis
  • Medicine
  • Tuberculosis
  • Autopsy
  • Presentation (obstetrics)
  • Pediatrics
  • Cause of death
  • Intensive care medicine
  • Emergency department
  • Clinical history
  • Pathology