An unexpected finding in a man with multiple pulmonary nodules, a pleural effusion and respiratory failure. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pang, Yik Lam; Jones, Quentin
• Is Part Of: Respiratory medicine case reports. Volume 20(2017)
• Page Start: 198
• Page End: 200
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: Bovine tuberculosis -- Mycobacterium Bovis -- Tuberculosis; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory System -- Periodicals; Chest -- Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2017.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-0071

Abstract

Abstract: We report the case of a 47-year old Caucasian man with a history of depression and high alcohol intake who presented with a one-month history of weight loss, dry cough and abdominal pain. He had no smoking history of note. The patient was treated for a suspected chest infection, however developed respiratory failure and was intubated. A CT showed multiple pulmonary nodules, left pleural thickening extending to the mediastinum and bilateral pleural effusions-larger on the left, suggestive of disseminated malignancy. A broncho-alveolar lavage surprisingly contained numerous acid-fast bacilli and no malignant cells. Treatment for tuberculosis was initiated and the patient recovered gradually. After several weeks, a pyrazinamide-resistant organism was cultured and subsequently identified to be Mycobacterium Bovis . We discuss this unexpected finding and review the literature on Bovine Tuberculosis in humans.