Histologically confirmed tuberculosis-associated obstructive pulmonary disease

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2019 May 1;23(5):552-554. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.18.0722.

Abstract

Although chronic airflow limitation (CAL) is an important long-term consequence of tuberculosis (TB), little is known about the disease process. We present what we believe to be the first case of histologically confirmed residual TB-associated obstructive pulmonary disease (TOPD) in a 23-year-old non-smoking man who developed severe CAL after one episode of TB, with no other plausible risk factors. Lung biopsies identified residual post-TB pathology affecting the small airways and vessels throughout his lung; this has not been reported previously. These findings strengthen the argument that TOPD may be a phenotype of CAL distinct from both smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tuberculosis / complications*
  • Young Adult