Caracterización clínica y microbiológica de pacientes con trazas en Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra / Clinical and microbiological characterization of patients with Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra traces

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra) ha mejorado dramáticamente el diagnóstico de la tuberculosis (TBC). Con él ha nacido la categoría de trazas, que es la menor carga bacilar detectable por este examen. OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con presencia de trazas en el Ultra y evaluar la confirmación de la TBC como diagnóstico clínico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de serie de casos. Se extrajo la información de fichas clínicas de pacientes con positividad a trazas. Se confrontaron datos clínicos, microbiológicos e histopatológicos. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 21 pacientes. La edad promedio fue de 52 años. Todos los casos presentaron baciloscopias negativas. Cuatro cultivos en medio líquido MGIT fueron positivos, dos en pleura parietal, uno en líquido pleural y otro en expectoración. En pleura parietal, tres casos presentaron granulomas con necrosis caseosa y un granuloma esbozos de necrosis. En tejido pulmonar se observaron dos casos con granulomas con esbozos de necrosis y dos con granulomas no necrotizantes. Tres pacientes tenían el antecedente de TBC previa, se interpretó la positividad de trazas en ellos como falsos positivos. Finalmente se diagnosticaron 13 casos como TBC activa, donde cinco de ellos fueron TBC pleurales. La mayor concordancia clínica, microbiológica e histopatológica fue en muestras de líquido y tejido pleural. DISCUSIÓN: Se debe interpretar con cautela los hallazgos de esta prueba en muestras de vía aérea; el análisis multidisciplinario (clínica, imágenes, microbiología, histología) es crucial en las decisiones de nuestras conductas clínicas futuras. El hallazgo de trazas en pleura tiene, a nuestro parecer, un alto valor diagnóstico en el estudio de la tuberculosis en esta localización.

INTRODUCTION: Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra has dramatically changed the diagnosis of tuberculosis. A new category called traces appeared, which is the smallest amount of bacillar load detectable. OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical characteristics of patients that present traces in Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra test, and to evaluate the confirmation of tuberculosis as clinical diagnosis. METHODS: We perform a descriptive case series study. Information was recovered from clinical records of patients with positive test for traces. Clinical, histopathological and microbiological results were confronted. RESULTS: Twenty one patients were analyzed. The mean age was 52 years-old. All cases had negative smear microscopy and four MGIT cultures were positive, two in pleural fluid and another in sputum. In parietal pleura, three cases presented granulomas with caseous necrosis, and one showed granuloma with very little necrosis. In pleural tissue we observed two cases of granulomas with traces of necrosis and two with non-necrotizing granulomas. Three patients had history of previous tuberculosis and positive traces, the test was interpreted as a false positive result. Finally, active tuberculosis was diagnosed in 13 cases, and five of them were pleural tuberculosis. The highest clinical, microbiological and histopathological agreement was in fluid and pleural tissue samples. DISCUSSION: The findings of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra in airway samples must be interpreted carefully. Multi-disciplinary analysis is crucial in future clinical decisions. The finding of traces in pleura has, in our opinion, a high diagnostic value in the study of tuberculosis in this location.

First reported case of fulminant TB with progression of infection from lungs to the genitourinary region

ABSTRACT Although tuberculosis (TB) is a curable disease, it continues to be one of the leading infections associated with death in the world. Extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) occurs in approximately 10% of the total cases, presenting with lymph nodes, pleura, bone and genitourinary tract as the most common locations. Genitourinary tuberculosis, the second most common EPTB, is very difficult to diagnose unless there is a high index of suspicion. Isolated TB orchitis or prostatitis without clinical evidence of renal involvement is a rare entity among genitourinary tuberculosis. We presented the first reported case of TB prostatitis and orchitis associated with pulmonary TB and the presence of an acute massive caseous pneumonia in an immunocompetent man. Despite the anti-TB therapy, the patient presented a rapid progression of disease and deterioration of general conditions taking to death, which occurred four days after TB treatment had started. Disseminated TB is a relatively uncommon cause of acute massive caseous pneumonia; however, there should always be suspicion of the disease, since it is a potentially treatable cause. This rare case supports the assertion that TB should be considered as an important differential diagnosis of genitourinary tumors irrespective of evidence of active TB elsewhere in the body.

Bronchoscopic diagnostic procedures and microbiological examinations in proving endobronchial tuberculosis / Procedimentos diagnósticos broncoscópicos e exames microbiológicos para a confirmação de tuberculose endobrônquica

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the proportional distribution of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) subtypes and to evaluate the types of bronchoscopic diagnostic procedures that can prove granulomatous inflammation. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 18 HIV-negative patients with biopsy-proven EBTB treated between 2010 and 2014. Results: The most common EBTB subtypes, as classified by the bronchoscopic features, were tumorous and granular (in 22.2% for both). Sputum smear microscopy was performed in 11 patients and was positive for AFB in 4 (36.3%). Sputum culture was also performed in 11 patients and was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 10 (90.9%). Smear microscopy of BAL fluid (BALF) was performed in 16 patients and was positive for AFB in 10 (62.5%). Culture of BALF was also performed in 16 patients and was positive for M. tuberculosis in 15 (93.7%). Culture of BALF was positive for M. tuberculosis in 93.7% of the 16 patients tested. Among the 18 patients with EBTB, granulomatous inflammation was proven by the following bronchoscopic diagnostic procedures: bronchial mucosal biopsy, in 8 (44.4%); bronchial brushing, in 7 (38.8%); fine-needle aspiration biopsy, in 2 (11.1%); and BAL, in 2 (11.1%). Bronchial anthracofibrosis was observed in 5 (27.7%) of the 18 cases evaluated. Conclusions: In our sample of EBTB patients, the most common subtypes were the tumorous and granular subtypes. We recommend that sputum samples and BALF samples be evaluated by smear microscopy for AFB and by culture for M. tuberculosis, which could increase the rates of early diagnosis of EBTB. We also recommend that bronchial brushing be employed together with other bronchoscopic diagnostic procedures in patients suspected of having EBTB.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Determinar a distribuição proporcional dos subtipos de tuberculose endobrônquica (TBEB) e avaliar os tipos de procedimentos diagnósticos broncoscópicos que podem revelar inflamação granulomatosa. Métodos: Este foi um estudo retrospectivo com 18 pacientes HIV negativos com TBEB comprovada por biópsia tratados entre 2010 e 2014. Resultados: Os subtipos mais comuns de TBEB, classificados pelas características na broncoscopia, foram tumoral e granular (em 22,2% para ambas) A baciloscopia de escarro foi realizada em 11 pacientes e foi positiva para BAAR em 4 (36,3%). A cultura de escarro também foi realizada em 11 pacientes e foi positiva para Mycobacterium tuberculosis em 10 (90,9%). A baciloscopia do LBA foi realizada em 16 pacientes e foi positiva para BAAR em 10 (62,5%). A cultura do LBA foi também realizada em 16 pacientes e foi positiva para o M. tuberculosis em 15 (93,7%). A cultura do LBA foi positiva para M. tuberculosis em 93,7% dos 16 pacientes testados. Nos 18 pacientes com TBEB, a presença de inflamação granulomatosa foi comprovada pelos seguintes procedimentos diagnósticos broncoscópicos: biópsia da mucosa brônquica, em 8 (44,4%); escovação brônquica, em 7 (38,8%); punção aspirativa por agulha fina, em 2 (11,1%); e LBA, em 2 (11,1%). Antracose/fibrose brônquica foi observada em 5 (27,7%) dos 18 casos avaliados. Conclusões: Em nossa amostra de pacientes com TBEB, os subtipos mais comuns foram o tumoral e o granular. Recomendamos que amostras de escarro e do LBA sejam avaliadas por baciloscopia para BAAR e cultura de M. tuberculosis, o que poderia aumentar as taxas de diagnóstico precoce de TBEB. Também recomendamos que a escovação brônquica seja empregada em conjunto com outros procedimentos diagnósticos broncoscópicos em pacientes com suspeita de TBEB.

The mc2-CMX vaccine induces an enhanced immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis compared to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin but with similar lung inflammatory effects

Although the attenuated Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been used since 1921, tuberculosis (TB) control still proceeds at a slow pace. The main reason is the variable efficacy of BCG protection against TB among adults, which ranges from 0-80%. Subsequently, the mc2-CMX vaccine was developed with promising results. Nonetheless, this recombinant vaccine needs to be compared to the standard BCG vaccine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immune response induced by mc2-CMX and compare it to the response generated by BCG. BALB/c mice were immunised with both vaccines and challenged withMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The immune and inflammatory responses were evaluated by ELISA, flow cytometry, and histopathology. Mice vaccinated with mc2-CMX and challenged with Mtb induced an increase in the IgG1 and IgG2 levels against CMX as well as recalled specific CD4+ T-cells that produced T-helper 1 cytokines in the lungs and spleen compared with BCG vaccinated and challenged mice. Both vaccines reduced the lung inflammatory pathology induced by the Mtb infection. The mc2-CMX vaccine induces a humoral and cellular response that is superior to BCG and is efficiently recalled after challenge with Mtb, although both vaccines induced similar inflammatory reductions.

Dormancy models for Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A minireview

Dormancy models for Mycobacterium tuberculosis play important roles in understanding various aspects of tuberculosis pathogenesis and in the testing of novel therapeutic regimens. By simulating the latent tuberculosis infection, in which the bacteria exist in a non-replicative state, the models demonstrate reduced susceptibility to antimycobacterial agents. This minireview outlines the models available for simulating latent tuberculosis both in vitro and in several animal species. Additionally, this minireview discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these models for investigating the bacterial subpopulations and susceptibilities to sterilization by various antituberculosis drugs.

Signos radiológicos: el signo de la galaxia / Radiology signs: the galaxy sign

El signo de la galaxia representa una lesión tipo masa, compuesta por innumerables nódulos granulomatosos coalescentes, más concentrados en el centro que en la periferia. Inicialmente se describió en paciente con sarcoidosis, y se denominó el signo de la galaxia sarcoidea. Actualmente se sabe que puede estar presente en otras entidades como la tuberculosis, el cáncer pulmonar y la fibrosis pulmonar masiva de las neumoconiosis. Es importante su identificación y adecuada interpretación, dado que en asociación con otros signos tomográficos permite una orientación al diagnóstico de sarcoidosis.

The galaxy sign represents a mass-like lesion, composed of innumerable coalescing granulo-matous nodules, more concentrated in the center than at the periphery. It was initially described in patients with sarcoidosis, and was referred to as the "sarcoid galaxy" sign. It is now known to be present in other entities such as tuberculosis, lung cancer and the pulmonary fibrosis mass of pneumoconiosis. Its identification and adequate interpretation is important, given that in association with other tomographic signs it allows an orientation toward the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Cryptococcosis, silicosis, and tuberculous pseudotumor in the same pulmonary lobe / Tuberculose pseudotumoral, criptococose e silicose no mesmo lobo pulmonar

Tuberculosis and cryptococcosis are infectious diseases that can result in the formation of single or multiple nodules in immunocompetent patients. Exposure to silica is known to raise the risk of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We report the case of an elderly man with no history of opportunistic infections and no clinical evidence of immunodeficiency but with a six-month history of dry cough and nocturnal wheezing. A chest X-ray revealed a mass measuring 5.0 × 3.5 cm in the right upper lobe. The diagnostic approach of the mass revealed tuberculosis. The histopathological analysis of the surrounding parenchyma reveled silicosis and cryptococcosis. Cryptococcosis was also found in masses identified in the mediastinal lymph nodes. The surgical approach was indicated because of the degree of pleuropulmonary involvement, the inconclusive results obtained with the invasive and noninvasive methods applied, and the possibility of malignancy. This case illustrates the difficulty inherent to the assessment of infectious or inflammatory pulmonary pseudotumors, the differential diagnosis of which occasionally requires a radical surgical approach. Despite the presence of respiratory symptoms for six months, the first chest X-ray was performed only at the end of that period. We discuss the possible pathogenic mechanisms that might have led to the combination of three types of granulomatous lesions in the same lobe, and we emphasize the need for greater awareness of atypical presentations of pulmonary tuberculosis.

A tuberculose e a criptococose são infecções que podem cursar com a formação de nódulos isolados ou múltiplos em pacientes imunocompetentes. A exposição à sílica reconhecidamente eleva o risco de doença pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente idoso sem antecedentes de infecções oportunistas, sem evidência clínica atual de imunodeficiência, com história de tosse seca e sibilos, principalmente noturnos, com duração de seis meses, cuja radiografia de tórax evidenciava uma imagem tumoral medindo 5,0 × 3,5 cm em lobo superior do pulmão direito. A abordagem diagnóstica da massa evidenciou tratar-se de tuberculose, e a análise histopatológica do parênquima circunvizinho revelou a presença de criptococose e de silicose. Criptococose foi diagnosticada também em massas linfonodais mediastinais. A conduta cirúrgica foi imposta pelo grau de comprometimento pleuropulmonar localizado, pelo caráter inconclusivo das abordagens diagnósticas invasivas e não invasivas realizadas, assim como pela possibilidade de tratar-se de neoplasia. Este caso ilustra a dificuldade inerente ao diagnóstico diferencial de massas pulmonares de natureza infecciosa ou inflamatória simulando neoplasia, o que ocasionalmente impõe uma conduta cirúrgica radical. Apesar da presença de sintomas respiratórios por seis meses, a primeira radiografia do tórax só foi realizada tardiamente. São discutidos os possíveis mecanismos patogenéticos que possam ter levado a associação de três tipos de granulomatose no mesmo lobo pulmonar e é enfatizada a necessidade de uma maior divulgação das apresentações atípicas da tuberculose pulmonar.

Delayed diagnosis of sarcoidosis is common in Brazil / Diagnóstico tardio da sarcoidose é comum no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of and the factors related to delayed diagnosis of sarcoidosis in Brazil. METHODS: We evaluated patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of sarcoidosis, using a questionnaire that addressed the following: time since symptom onset and since the first medical visit; and the number and specialty of the physicians visited. We divided the patients by the timeliness of the diagnosis-timely (< 6 months) and delayed (≥ 6 months)-comparing the two groups in terms of systemic and pulmonary symptoms; extrathoracic involvement; spirometric data; radiological staging; level of education; income; and tuberculosis (diagnosis and treatment). RESULTS: We evaluated 100 patients. The median number of physicians consulted was 3 (range, 1-14). In 11 cases, sarcoidosis was diagnosed at the first visit. In 54, the first physician seen was a general practitioner. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was timely in 41 patients and delayed in 59. The groups did not differ in terms of gender; race; type of health insurance; level of education; income; respiratory/systemic symptoms; extrathoracic involvement; and radiological staging. In the delayed diagnosis group, FVC was lower (80.3 ± 20.4% vs. 90.5 ± 17.1%; p = 0.010), as was FEV1 (77.3 ± 19.9% vs. 86.4 ± 19.5%; p = 0.024), misdiagnosis with and treatment for tuberculosis (≥ 3 months) also being more common (24% vs. 7%, p = 0.032, and 20% vs. 0%; p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of sarcoidosis is often delayed, even when the imaging is suggestive of sarcoidosis. Delayed diagnosis is associated with impaired lung function at the time of diagnosis. Many sarcoidosis patients are misdiagnosed with and treated for tuberculosis. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência do diagnóstico tardio de sarcoidose no Brasil e os fatores relacionados a esse atraso. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos pacientes com diagnóstico de sarcoidose confirmado por biópsia utilizando um questionário que abordava o tempo entre o início dos sintomas e a data da primeira consulta médica; e o número e especialidades dos médicos consultados. Sintomas sistêmicos e pulmonares, envolvimento extratorácico, dados espirométricos, estadiamento radiológico, escolaridade, renda individual e diagnóstico/tratamento de tuberculose foram comparados entre os pacientes com diagnóstico precoce (< 6 meses até o diagnóstico) e tardio (≥ 6 meses). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 100 pacientes. A mediana do número de médicos consultados foi 3 (variação: 1-14). O diagnóstico de sarcoidose foi feito na primeira consulta em 11 casos. Um clínico geral foi inicialmente consultado em 54 casos. O diagnóstico de sarcoidose foi precoce em 41 casos e tardio em 59. Não houve diferença entre os grupos no tocante ao gênero, raça, tipo de seguro saúde, escolaridade, renda, sintomas sistêmicos e respiratórios, envolvimento extratorácico e estadiamento radiológico. Os pacientes com diagnóstico tardio apresentavam menor CVF (80,3 ± 20,4% vs. 90,5 ± 17,1%; p = 0,010) e VEF1 (77,3 ± 19,9% vs. 86,4 ± 19,5%; p = 0,024), além de mais frequentemente receberem diagnóstico de tuberculose (24% vs. 7%; p = 0,032) e tratamento para tuberculose (≥ 3 meses; 20% vs. 0%; p = 0,002). CONCLUSÕES: O diagnóstico de sarcoidose é tardio em muitos casos, mesmo quando há achados de imagem sugestivos. O diagnóstico tardio está associado a menor função pulmonar na época do diagnóstico. Vários ...

Tuberculosis, comportamiento de la mortalidad en pacientes de 60 años de edad o más / Tuberculosis, mortality behavior in patients aged 60 and over

Introducción: a pesar de los conocimientos alcanzados con respecto a la tuberculosis, esta enfermedad sigue siendo hoy en día la causa de muerte de muchos pacientes. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de la mortalidad por o con tuberculosis, en los fallecidos de 60 años o más. Métodos: se estudiaron los 51 fallecidos de tuberculosis en Ciudad de La Habana entre los años 2005 y 2008. La informaci¾n se obtuvo a partir de la revisión de la base de datos de tuberculosis del Departamento de Higiene y Epidemiología de la Dirección Provincial de Salud de Ciudad de La Habana. Resultados: la investigación demostró que el 41,2 porciento falleció entre los 70 a 79 años de edad; predominó el sexo masculino con un 74,5 porciento y la pérdida de peso se asoció en el 47,1 porciento. Se realizó el diagnóstico en la atención secundaria de salud en el 68,2 porciento y la tuberculosis pulmonar representó el 96,1 porciento de los casos diagnosticados en vida, con esta localización. Predominaron los bacilos ácido alcohol resistente positivos (77,8 porciento) y el 100 porciento fueron casos nuevos. Conclusiones: aunque la atención primaria está totalmente estructurada a lo largo y ancho de nuestro país, los resultados de este trabajo indican que es una prioridad, el fortalecimiento en la detección de la enfermedad a este nivel de salud

Introduction: despite the knowledge gained on tuberculosis, this condition is still the cause of death for many patients. Objective: to describe the mortality behavior of tuberculosis in dead patients older than 60. Methods: an investigation was conducted on 51 deceased patients who died of tuberculosis from 2005 to 2008 in Havana City. The information was obtained by reviewing the Hygiene and Epidemiology Department tuberculosis database at Havana Public Health Provincial Direction. Results: this research showed that 41.2 percent of the patients died at 70 to 79 years old; there was male predominance (74.5 percent). Weight loss was associated in 47.1 percent of the cases. 68.2 percent had the diagnosis in secondary care level and pulmonary tuberculosis accounted for 96.1 percent of cases diagnosed when alive. Positive acid-fast bacilli resistant (77.8 percent) was predominant and 100 percent were new cases. Conclusions: although primary health care is fully structured throughout our country, the results of this study suggest the need for a strengthening in detecting this disease at this level of health care as a priority

Blind transbronchial needle aspiration without an on-site cytopathologist: Experience of 473 procedures.

Background. Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is an established procedure for sampling the mediastinal lymph nodes. Data reported from India are limited on this routine procedure. We describe our experience of the efficacy, diagnostic accuracy and safety of TBNA. Method. We retrospectively reviewed all TBNAs done at our centre between 2006 and 2009. Under local anaesthesia, accessible lymph node stations were sampled thrice without fluoroscopy and without an on-site cytopathologist. Data are presented in a descriptive manner. Results. A total of 4513 diagnostic bronchoscopies were done, of which 473 (10.5%) underwent TBNA. There were 297 men (63%) and 176 women (37%) with a mean (SD) age of 46.2 (13.98) years. The most common clinical diagnoses were sarcoidosis (50.5%), lung cancer (26.8%), tuberculosis (8.7%) and others (14%). The overall efficacy of TBNA in sampling a mediastinal/hilar lymph node was 72%. The accuracy of TBNA in achieving a pathological diagnosis was 40.4%, whereas the diagnostic yield of a successful procedure was 56.8% (lymph nodes were successfully sampled in 193 of 340 procedures). The most common diagnoses on cytology were sarcoidosis and lung cancer. In patients with a clinical diagnosis of lung cancer, the diagnostic accuracy of TBNA was 46.5% (59 of 127), whereas in patients with sarcoidosis it was 38.1% (91 of 239). TBNA provided an additional diagnostic yield in 5.6% (12 of 215) of patients with sarcoidosis who also underwent transbronchial lung biopsy. There were no periprocedural complications. Conclusion. Blind TBNA is a safe and effective procedure that can be routinely done in the bronchoscopy suite.

Leukotrienes are not essential for the efficacy of a heterologous vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Leukotrienes are reported to be potent proinflammatory mediators that play a role in the development of several inflammatory diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. Leukotrienes have also been associated with protection against infectious diseases. However, the role of leukotrienes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is not understood. To answer this question, we studied the role of leukotrienes in the protective immune response conferred by prime-boost heterologous immunization against tuberculosis. We immunized BALB/c mice (4-11/group) with subcutaneous BCG vaccine (1 x 10(5) M. bovis BCG) (prime) followed by intramuscular DNA-HSP65 vaccine (100 µg) (boost). During the 30 days following the challenge, the animals were treated by gavage daily with MK-886 (5 mg·kg-1·day-1) to inhibit leukotriene synthesis. We showed that MK-886-treated mice were more susceptible to M. tuberculosis infection by counting the number of M. tuberculosis colony-forming units in lungs. The histopathological analysis showed an impaired influx of leukocytes to the lungs of MK-886-treated mice after infection, confirming the involvement of leukotrienes in the protective immune response against experimental tuberculosis. However, prime-boost-immunized mice treated with MK-886 remained protected after challenge with M. tuberculosis, suggesting that leukotrienes are not required for the protective effect elicited by immunization. Protection against M. tuberculosis challenge achieved by prime-boost immunization in the absence of leukotrienes was accompanied by an increase in IL-17 production in the lungs of these animals, as measured by ELISA. Therefore, these data suggest that the production of IL-17 in MK-886-treated, immunized mice could contribute to the generation of a protective immune response after infection with M. tuberculosis.

Clinico-pathological profile and treatment outcome in smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis patients at a teaching hospital

Tuberculosis remains the single highest contributor to the world's morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential to prevent its transmission. To see the treatment response of anti tuberculosis drugs in smear negative patients and study the predictors of culture positive among smear negative tuberculosis patients. This descriptive study was carried out at Chest Clinic, Sir Ganga Ram hospital in collaboration with PMRC TB Research Centre Mayo hospital, Lahore. Ninety four sputum smear negative patients clinically and radiologically suggestive of tuberculosis were selected. These patients were put on anti tuberculosis drugs without waiting for their culture results. They were then followed for 8 months to see their treatment outcome. A total of 94 smear negative patients were selected and given anti tuberculosis treatment. Of these 37 [39%] were culture positive and 57 [61%] were culture negative. Of the 37 culture positive patients 36 [97%] showed clinical or radiological improvement as compared to 46 [81%] out of 57 in culture negative cases. Symptoms of cough with sputum production was significantly associated with culture positivity. On x-ray chest moderate lesion with diffuse infiltration was more common finding in 64% while extensive and cavitatory lesion was seen in 24% of all cases. Association of extensive and cavitatory lesion were seen in culture positive group. Response to anti tuberculosis drugs in sputum smear negative tubercolosis suspects was found to be effective in majority of the patients. Cough, sputum and extensive cavitatory lung lesion were the predictors of culture positive cases. There is need to train physicians on the use of anti tuberculosis therapy in smear negative suspected pulmonary tuberculosis cases, especially if they have productive cough and cavitatory lung lesions

Granulomatosis de Wegener y tuberculosis: Una mala combinación / Wegener's granulomatosis and tuberculosis: A bad combination

La enfermedad de Wegener es una vasculitis de pequeños y medianos vasos asociada a anticuerpos anticitoplasma del neutrófilo (ANCA). Dentro de los órganos blancos, el pulmón se encuentra comprometido en el 85% de los casos. Numerosas entidades deben ser consideradas en el diagnóstico diferencial, entre ellas, la tuberculosis pulmonar. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 54 años de edad, con diagnóstico en el año 1996 de enfermedad de Wegener, que comienza en agosto de 2007 con expectoración hemoptoica, disnea de esfuerzo progresiva y esputo con baciloscopia BAAR (+), por lo que inicia tratamiento antituberculoso. La baciloscopia no se constata en dos lavados broncoalveolares contemporáneos. Evoluciona con deterioro de la función renal, púrpura palpable y anticuerpos anticitoplasma del neutrófilo patrón citoplasmático (ANCA-c) positivo. Se interpreta reactivación de su enfermedad de base. Inicia tratamiento inmunosupresor y hemodiálisis y suspende tratamiento antituberculoso. Un mes después del alta se reinterna con cuadro similar al previo, con esputo seriado positivo para BAAR.

Wegener's disease is a vasculitis of small and medium-sized vessels associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA). Within their target organs the lungs are involved in 85% of cases. Many entities are part of the differential diagnosis, including pulmonary tuberculosis. We present the case of a 54 years old man, diagnosed as Wegener's disease in 1996 which begins in August 2007 with cough, hemoptysis, progressive dyspnea on effort and serial sputum positive for AFB and then starts TB treatment. Subsequent bronchoalveolar fluids resulted negative for AFB. The patient evolved with impaired renal function, palpable purpura and positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies cytoplasmic pattern (c-ANCA), interpreted as Wegener's disease relapse. He started hemodialysis and immunosuppressive therapy and tuberculosis treatment was stopped. One month after discharge was readmitted with a similar picture with serial sputum positive for AFB.

Tuberculose ativa em pacientes cirúrgicos com baciloscopia negativa no pré-operatório / Active tuberculosis in surgical patients with negative preoperative sputum smear results

OBJETIVO: Verificar a proporção de pacientes com baciloscopia negativa no pré-operatório e que apresentaram TB ativa na peça cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de TB ativa ou sequelar e operados entre os anos de 2003 e 2006 em um hospital universitário. Foram pesquisados antecedentes e aspectos clínicos relativos à doença, pesquisa de bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes (BAAR), tipo de cirurgia realizada e exame histopatológico da peça cirúrgica. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 43 pacientes, com média de idade de 44 ± 19 anos, sendo 27 do sexo masculino. Apresentavam história prévia de TB com tratamento adequado 28 pacientes, e 15 não referiam antecedentes para TB. O principal motivo da procura pelo serviço foi infecção de repetição, seguida por achados em exames de imagem. Dos 43 pacientes, foi pesquisado BAAR no pré-operatório em 35: 32 apresentaram resultados negativos e 3, resultados positivos. Dos 35 pacientes pesquisados, 26 apresentavam diagnóstico histopatológico de TB ativa e 9 de TB sequelar na peça cirúrgica; os outros 8 também foram diagnosticados com TB sequelar. A proporção de TB ativa em doentes com baciloscopia negativa foi de 72 por cento (23/32), e o de baciloscopia negativa em TB ativa foi de 88 por cento (23/26), sendo a pesquisa de BAAR positiva somente em 11,5 por cento (3/26). CONCLUSÕES: A baciloscopia direta tem rendimento muito baixo, e muitos pacientes mesmo já tratados podem permanecer com TB em atividade com baciloscopia negativa. A TB ativa pode ser confundida com infecções secundárias ou com câncer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of negative preoperative sputum smear results among patients presenting active TB, as identified through the evaluation of surgical samples. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery between 2003 and 2006 at a university hospital and receiving a histopathological diagnosis of active or latent TB. We reviewed patient histories, TB-related clinical aspects, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) test results, type of surgery performed and histopathological findings in surgical samples. RESULTS: We included 43 patients, 27 of whom were male. The mean age was 44 ± 19 years. Twenty-eight patients had a history of TB (treated appropriately), and 15 reported no history of the disease. The main reason for seeking treatment was recurrent infection, followed by alterations seen in imaging studies. Of the 43 patients, 35 underwent preoperative AFB testing: 32 tested negative, and 3 tested positive. Among those 35 patients, the histopathological diagnosis was active TB in 26 and latent TB in 9. The 8 patients not submitted to preoperative AFB testing were also diagnosed with latent TB. The proportion of active TB in patients with negative sputum smear results was 72 percent (23/32), whereas that of negative sputum smear results in patients with active TB was 88 percent (23/26). Only 11.5 percent (3/26) of the patients had tested positive for AFB. CONCLUSIONS: Direct sputum smear microscopy has a very low yield. Many previously treated patients can present negative sputum smear results and yet have active TB. Active TB can be mistaken for secondary infections or for cancer.

Reactivación de tuberculosis pulmonar asociada a seroconversión al virus de inmunodeficiencia humana / Reactivation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) seroconversion

Entre un 40-90% de los pacientes que adquieren la infección por HIV presentan un conjunto de síntomas durante el periodo de la seroconversión, habitualmente denominado "Síndrome Retroviral Agudo" (SRA)...

It is estimated that between 40 and 90% of HIV infected patients experience some sympotoms during HIV seroconversion, attributable to an acute retroviral syndrome (ARS)...

Vasculite leucocitoclástica cutânea associada à tuberculose pulmonar / Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis accompanied by pulmonary tuberculosis

Relatamos o caso de um homem de 50 anos com uma rara associação: tuberculose pulmonar e vasculite leucocitoclástica cutânea. O paciente procurou o pronto atendimento em razão do quadro de cefaléia, artralgia, rash cutâneo e perda ponderal (4 kg) nos últimos 20 dias. A radiografia de tórax, solicitada em consulta ambulatorial prévia, demonstrava cavitação nos lobos médio e superior do pulmão direito, confirmada por tomografia computadorizada. Apresentou baciloscopia de escarro (coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen) positiva em três amostras consecutivas e biópsia da lesão de pele compatível com vasculite leucocitoclástica cutânea. Foi, então, realizado o diagnóstico de vaculite leucocitoclástica cutânea associada à tuberculose pulmonar. Nosso objetivo é descrever uma associação pouco relatada na literatura médica e discutir seus possíveis mecanismos patogênicos.

We report the case of a 50-year-old male with a rare combination: pulmonary tuberculosis and cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient sought emergency treatment presenting with headache, arthralgia, cutaneous rash, and weight loss (4 kg) in the last 20 days. A chest X-ray, performed in a previous outpatient visit, revealed cavitation in the middle and upper lobes of the right lung, as confirmed by computed tomography. Sputum smear microscopy (Ziehl-Neelsen staining) was positive in three consecutive samples, and the result of the skin lesion biopsy was consistent with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient was therefore diagnosed with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis accompanied by pulmonary tuberculosis. Our objective was to describe a combination rarely reported in the medical literature and to discuss the possible pathogenic mechanisms of this combination.