Immune thrombocytopenic purpura associated with pulmonary tuberculosis

Intern Med. 2006;45(11):739-42. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.45.1639. Epub 2006 Jul 3.

Abstract

A 22-year-old woman was admitted into our hospital because of generalized purpura and abnormalities in her chest X-ray. Isolated thrombocytopenia and elevated platelet-associated IgG levels were detected, while the bone marrow examination was normal. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and consequently she was diagnosed as having active tuberculosis. High-dose immunoglobulin therapy combined with anti-tuberculosis drugs not only rapidly and continuously corrected thrombocytopenia but also cured pulmonary tuberculosis. This case suggests a causal association between immune thrombocytopenia and tuberculosis as well as the safety and efficacy of the anti-tuberculosis drugs combined with high-dose immunoglobulin therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / drug therapy
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / etiology*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / immunology
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / complications*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents