Maintaining sharp focus on a grainy film: miliary pattern in an elderly woman with acute respiratory failure. (22nd July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hensley, Patrick; Hilal, Talal; Neltner, Janna; Kumar, Bharat
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2015
• Publication Date: 2015-07-22
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-210934
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : An elderly woman with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis reportedly diagnosed and treated 30 years prior to presentation was found unresponsive at home. Chest imaging revealed innumerable pulmonary nodules worrisome for an infectious process, specifically tuberculosis. The patient deteriorated rapidly and in accordance with her wishes, aggressive interventions were withheld. She died within 48 h from respiratory failure. A limited chest autopsy was performed and revealed the cause of death as lymphangitic spread of cancer from a primary lung adenocarcinoma.