Association deep veinous thrombosis with pulmonary tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary tuberculosis has been reported as a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis. In the present study we reported, physiopathological, epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of the association of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary tuberculosis. This is a retrospective study done in our department between January 2000 and December 2007 It is about 14 cases of confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis associated with deep venous thrombosis. It is about 14 men. The mean age was 40 years old. Pulmonary tuberculosis was confirmed by the presence of acido-alcoolo-resistant bacillus on the sputum at direct exam in 12 cases [81, 8%] and in the bronchial aspiration in 2 cases [18%]. Phlebitis occurred within a mean of 20 days after the diagnosis of tuberculosis. It was confirmed by doppler deep venous ultrasound of inferior members. All patients received anti-tuberculosis drugs in association with anticoagulant treatment. Etiologic investigations showed positive anti-phospholipids antibodies in one case, and decrease in C and S proteins for 2 patients in which phlebitis was complicated by arterial pulmonary embolism. We had difficulties for controlling prothrombin level in 4 cases and we must prescribe low molecular weight heparin for 6 months in one case. A lot of attention should be done, in the follow up of pulmonary tuberculosis especially in severe presentation; because of the deep venous thrombosis's risk occurrence. Prophylactic anticoagulant treatment should be done in some cases, when the risk is higher