Clinico-radiological profile of tuberculosis in postcovid patients

ABSTRACT

Background: Tuberculosis(TB) is one among the various respiratory pathologies affecting post-covid patients. We intend to describe clinico-radiological characteristics of tuberculosis in post-covid patients. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study, conducted at SDS TRC and RGICD, Bengaluru from May 2020 to November 2021 with inclusion criteria of Tuberculosis with history of COVID in last 6 months. Clinicoradiological characteristics of them were retrieved from medical records section. Results: 13 patients were included in our study. Male predominance (69%), with mean age of 50.7years noted. Patient with co-morbidity were 61.53%, majority were diabetics. 46% severe, 15%moderate covid cases received corticosteroids during covid illness and 38% were mild who didn't receive corticosteroids. Mean duration of TB diagnosis after covid was 2 months. 5 patients were diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis with cough, fever, weight loss as presentation, 6 presented with air-leak in which 4 had hydropneumothorax, 2 had pneumothorax with dyspnea as presentation and 2 had pleural effusion. 69% of chest radiograph revealed cavity. Rest showed nodules, consolidation. Bandim-TB score was assigned. 4 were mild and rest 11 were of moderate to severe category. AFB Sputum smear / CBNAAT-positive in 85% cases. Among 2 pleural effusions, pleural fluid CBNAAT was positive in 1 and in other biochemical analysis was suggestive of tuberculosis. 15% were Rifampicin resistant TB. All except 1 were newly diagnosed tuberculosis. 2 patients succumbed to the disease and rest were discharged on appropriate anti-tubercular regimen. Conclusion: Post-covid patients when presents with persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms, tuberculosis should be excluded especially in endemic countries like India.