An analysis of 100 cases of tuberculosis first presenting as fever of unknown origin in a general tertiary hospital / 中华内科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) first presenting as fever of unknown origin (FUO). Methods The clinical data of 100 cases of FUO, diagnosed as TB finally, among in-patients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were analyzed retrospectively.Results ( 1 ) Sites of TB there were 39 patients with merely pulmonary TB, 28 patients with merely extrapulmonary TB, and 33 patients with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. (2) Clinical manifestations depending on the different sites of tuberculous lesion, the clinical symptoms varied accordingly. The common laboratory findings included anemia, hypoalbuminemia, elevation of the level of ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP). (3) Methods for diagnosis 34 cases were diagnosed by sputum smearor cultivation-positive for acid-fast bacilli; 8 cases by histopathology; 49 cases by clinical diagnosis of TB with an effective anti-TB therapy; and 9 cases by effective diagnostic anti-TB therapy. (4) Responses to treatment among 73 cases with complete follow-up data, only 2 cases (2. 7% ) died and the other cases were cured or alleviated. Fifty-five cases (77.5%) showed marked efficacy after less than 4 weeks of regular anti-TB therapy, 37 cases ( 52. 1% ) suffered adverse effects of anti-TB agents, and all of them had improved after modifying anti-TB therapy and supporting treatment. Conclusions The diagnosis of TB that presents as FUO is quite difficult, and the median interval time for making diagnosis is 14 weeks (3-77weeks). Investigating clinical manifestations comprehensively, reviewing radiology data carefully, and eliciting microbiological and pathologic evidence of TB, are extremely important for making the correct diagnosis. In some cases, a therapeatic trial of anti-TB therapy is necessary.