Immune thrombocytopenia associated with lymph node tuberculosis: a case report

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2023 Jul 24:56:e00722023. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0072-2023. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis associated with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is extremely rare. A likely association between ITP and pulmonary and lymph node tuberculosis was reported in a 29-year-old male patient. His platelet count decreased to 4,000/µL. Chest tomography revealed mediastinal adenomegaly, lymph node clusters in the aorta, and consolidation in the left upper lung lobe. Immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone were administered intravenously. The histopathology of the left upper lung lobe confirmed tuberculosis. The rifampicin/isoniazid/pyrazinamide/ethambutol regimen was initiated, and the corticosteroids were tapered off. This case suggests an association of tuberculosis with ITP, since the platelet count effectively normalized after tuberculosis treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Isoniazid
  • Male
  • Platelet Count
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic* / complications
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic* / drug therapy
  • Thrombocytopenia*
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node* / complications
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Isoniazid