Addison's disease caused by adrenal tuberculosis may lead to misdiagnosis of major depressive disorder: A case report

BACKGROUND Addison’s disease(AD)is a rare but potentially fatal disease in Western countries,which can easily be misdiagnosed at an early stage.Severe adrenal tuberculosis(TB)may lead to depression in patients.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to adrenal TB with TB in the lungs and skin in a 48-year-old woman.The patient was misdiagnosed with depression because of her depressed mood.She had hyperpigmentation of the skin,nails,mouth,and lips.The final diagnosis was adrenal TB that resulted in the insufficient secretion of adrenocortical hormone.Adrenocortical hormone test,skin biopsy,T cell spot test of TB,and adrenal computed tomography scan were used to confirm the diagnosis.The patient’s condition improved after hormone replacement therapy and TB treatment.CONCLUSION Given the current status of TB in high-burden countries,outpatient doctors should be aware of and pay attention to TB and understand the early symptoms of AD.

Unilateral adrenal tuberculosis whose computed tomography imaging characteristics mimic a malignant tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND Adrenal tuberculosis usually presents with bilateral involvement.It has special characteristics in computed tomography(CT)images,such as small size,low attenuation in the center,and peripheral rim enhancement,which differ from those of primary tumors.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old female presented to the hospital with low back pain.She had been diagnosed with hypertension as well as pulmonary and cerebral tuberculosis but denied having any fever,fatigue,anorexia,night sweats,cough,or weight loss.Abdominal CT revealed an irregular 6.0 cm×4.5 cm mass with uneven density in the right adrenal gland,while the left adrenal gland was normal.No abnormalities were observed in plasma total cortisol(8 am),adrenocorticotropic hormone,aldosterone/renin ratio,blood catecholamines,or urine catecholamines.A fineneedle aspiration biopsy of the right adrenal gland provided evidence of tuberculosis.After three years of anti-tuberculosis treatments,the large mass in the right adrenal gland was reduced to a slight enlargement.CONCLUSION This is a case of unilateral adrenal tuberculosis with CT imaging characteristics mimicking those of a malignant tumor.Extended anti-tuberculosis therapy is recommended in such cases.

Diagnosis and management of severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in critically ill patients:A mini review for clinicians

Among critically ill patients,severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis has high morbidity and mortality.Yet,it is a diagnostic challenge given its nonspecific clinical symptoms and signs in early stages of the disease.In addition,management of severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis is complicated given the high risk of drug-drug interactions,drug-disease interactions,and adverse drug reactions.To help clinicians acquire an up-to-date approach to severe tuberculosis,this paper will provide a narrative review of contemporary diagnosis and management of severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in critically ill patients.

Effects of Astragalus injection on chemokines, renal function and humoral immunity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective:To investigate the effects of Astragalus Injection on inflammatory factors, chemokines, renal function and humoral immunity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods:80 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who were treated in the department of respiratory medicine in our hospital from October 2015 to October 2017 were randomly divided into control group and observation group, 40 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given levofloxacin treatment;and patients in the observation group were given astragalus injection combined with levofloxacin treatment. Before and after treatment, procalcitonin (PCT), interferon-γ (INF-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1 ), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), uric acid (UA) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, IgG) levels were measured and compared between the patients in the two groups.Result: After treatment, the levels of PCT, INF-γ, MCP-1 and MIP-1 in serum of the patients in the two groups were significantly decreased, and the levels of IgA, IgM and IgG were significantly increased. The changes of the PCT, INF-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1 , IgA, IgM and IgG of patients in the observation group were significantly stronger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of BUN, SCr and UA in serum of patients in the two groups increased significantly. The serum levels of above indexes of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Astragalus injection can significantly relieve the inflammatory state of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, reduce the level of chemokines, enhance the renal function and immune function of patients. It has good clinical efficacy.

A case of renal tuberculosis diagnosed during percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is very popular and an efficient method as a gold standard in management of renal calculi. It is the first-choice method in management of renal calculi larger than 2 cm. Our patient underwent PCNL upon observing multiple renal calculi larger than 10 mm in a lower pole of the right kidney. Biopsy was performed during PNCL because morphology and endoscopic view of the calyx were irregular, calcific and pale white in color. The patient developed prolonged urinary leakage from the lumbar region and J-stent was inserted after the re-entry catheter had been removed following successful PCNL. Prolonged urinary leakage persisted although location of the J-stent was normal. Tuberculosis of the urinary tract should be the first option in the dif ferential diagnosis of fistula discharge following PCNL. In our patient, the biopsy taken at the time of PCNL revealed renal tuberculosis. Urinary tract tuberculosis must definitely be considered in the fistula tract persisted and not closed fol lowing PCNL as in the present case. Diagnosis of tuberculosis was made early in this case owing to tissue sampling during operation, and thus the treatment was begun early. So we consider this patient as a special case.

Primary gastroduodenal tuberculosis presenting as gastric outlet obstruction:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB)is the causative agent of TB,a chronic granulo-matous illness.This disease is prevalent in low-income countries,posing a significant global health challenge.Gastrointestinal TB is one of the three forms.The disease can mimic other intra-abdominal conditions,leading to delayed diagnosis owing to the absence of specific symptoms.While gastric outlet obs-truction(GOO)remains a frequent complication,its incidence has declined with the advent of proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.Gastroduodenal TB can cause upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage,obstruction,and malignancy-like tumors.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male presented with recurrent epigastric pain,distension,nausea,vomiting,and weight loss,prompting a referral to a gastroenterologist clinic.Endoscopic examination revealed distorted gastric mucosa and signs of chronic inflammation.However,treatment was interrupted,possibly owing to vomiting or comorbidities such as human immunodeficiency virus infection or diabetes.Subsequent surgical intervention revealed a dilated stomach and diffuse thickening of the duodenal wall.Resection revealed gastric wall effacement with TB.CONCLUSION Primary gastric TB is rare,frequently leading to GOO.Given its rarity,suspicions should be promptly raised when encountering relevant symptoms,often requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis and treatment.

Characteristics on diagnosis and treatment of renal tuberculosis

Objective To study the new characteristics on diagnosis and treatment of renal tuberculosis ( RT). Methods Eighty-seven patients with renal tuberculosis were retrospectively reviewed; their diagnosis was established by standard microbiological and histological techniques. Results Atypical RT was diagnosed by various examinations, including urinary analysis, polymerase chain reaction of tuberculosis ( PCR-TB), ultrasonography, intravenous urography ( IVU), and computerized tomography (CT). Treatment consisted of antituberculous chemotherapy in all patients, in combination with nephrectomy (62. 5 %) or enterocytoplasty (4. 6%). Conclusion The differential diagnosis of RT should be emphasized, especially for atypical RT, provided a much more specific diagnosis in clinical suspicion of RT. IVU can not be regarded as a specific examination for RT. Computerised tomography (CT) can be used for early diagnosis of RT. Surgery for TR is still ablative. 5 refs.

Unveiling the Threat: Case Reports of Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Sanctuary Chimpanzees

Primate sanctuaries across Africa play a pivotal role in the rescue and rehabilitation of confiscated and rescued wild primates, many of whom have had extensive contact with humans prior to their arrival and throughout the rehabilitation process, heightening the risk of disease transmission. While tuberculosis is not naturally occurring in free-living chimpanzees, it has been extensively observed in captive primates that have been in close proximity to humans or other captive primates infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This case report delves into an outbreak of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis among juvenile chimpanzees within a sanctuary, detailing the associated diagnostic challenges and treatment approaches. The five cases had close contact with a caregiver infected with tuberculosis, subsequently transmitting the infection to other in-contact chimpanzees. Prolonged treatment, employing the human protocol of quadri-therapy (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol), followed by bi-therapy (rifampicin and isoniazid), resulted in complete resolution for all five cases. These cases underscore the critical importance of maintaining high levels of biosecurity, implementing effective quarantine measures, and adhering to strict hygiene practices when working with non-human primates.

Primary extrapulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis warrants extraprecautious pulmonary tuberculosis exclusion workup

This editorial article takes an opportunity to apprehend the diagnostic challenges of primary gastrointestinal tuberculosis(an uncommon extrapulmonary tuberculosis condition)utilizing the recently published case report of a young male with prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms and weight loss who received intermittent anti-tubercular treatment and underwent operative interventions to relieve gastric outlet obstruction.The diagnosis chiefly relied on high-end examinations,like computed tomography scans and histopathological evaluation of postoperatively resected bowel tissue,which wasn't preceded by an all-inclusive stepwise primary pulmonary tuberculosis exclusion approach that usually begins with a detailed tuberculosis-pertinent history acquisition.Given the geographic locations where the patient had been(and/or treated),pivotal consideration of tuberculosis-associated endemicities in those regions,like human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection,might have improved the case description.The obtainment of HIV-relevant histories,like intravenous drug use and sexual practice,are good places to start.The sputum bacteriology also seems imperative to rule out atypical Mycobacterium species infection because of its clinico-radiohistopathological resemblance with pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Altogether,this editorial aims to underscore that primary extrapulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis should comprise an elaborative,comprehensive,systematic,and stepwise primary pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis exclusion workup.

Clinicopathological characteristics and typing of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential

BACKGROUND Up until now,no research has been reported on the association between the cli-nical growth rate of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential(MCRNLMP)and computed tomography(CT)imaging characteristics.Our study sought to examine the correlation between them,with the objective of distin-guishing unique features of MCRNLMP from renal cysts and exploring effective management strategies.AIM To investigate optimal management strategies of MCRNLMP.METHODS We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from 1520 patients,comprising 1444 with renal cysts and 76 with MCRNLMP,who underwent renal cyst decom-pression,radical nephrectomy,or nephron-sparing surgery for renal cystic disease between January 2013 and December 2021 at our institution.Detection of MC-RNLMP utilized the Bosniak classification for imaging and the 2016 World Health Organization criteria for clinical pathology.RESULTS Our meticulous exploration has revealed compelling findings on the occurrence of MCRNLMP.Precisely,it comprises 1.48%of all cases involving simple renal cysts,5.26%of those with complex renal cysts,and a noteworthy 12.11%of renal tumors coexisting with renal cysts,indicating a statistically significant difference(P=0.001).Moreover,MCRNLMP constituted a significant 22.37%of the patient po-pulation whose cysts demonstrated a rapid growth rate of≥2.0 cm/year,whereas it only represented 0.66%among those with a growth rate below 2.0 cm/year.Of the 76 MCRNLMP cases studied,none of the nine patients who underwent subsequent nephron-sparing surgery or radical nephrectomy following renal cyst decompression experienced recurrence or metastasis.In the remaining 67 patients,who were actively monitored over a 3-year postoperative period,only one showed suspicious recurrence on CT scans.CONCLUSION MCRNLMP can be tentatively identified and categorized into three types based on CT scanning and growth rate indicators.In treating MCRNLMP,partial nephrectomy is preferred,while radical nephrectomy should be minimi-zed.After surgery,active monitoring is advisable to prevent unnecessary nephrectomy.

Surgical Management of Mitral Valve Infective Endocarditis with Accidental Finding of Open Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective: This case report aimed to highlight intersections of TB and Cardiovasular diseases which carry high morbidity and mortality rates. Methods: We are reporting the surgical management of forty seven years female who had back ground history of IDDM (Insulin dependent diabetic Mellitus), ESRD (End stage renal disease) on HD (haemodialysis) also she had left subclavian artery stenosis, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. She was diagnosed with mitral valve infective endocarditis and found accidently to have an open pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) on the day before surgery. Results: She was started on first line anti-TB treatment. She was isolated in her private room and airborne precautions measures applied. The patient underwent a tissue Mitral Valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair annuloplasty. Special precautions were applied in Theatre and on cardiopulmonary bypass Machine guided by KAMC-J disinfection protocol. The patient made good recovery postoperatively. She was discharged well on day 7 post operatively. Conclusion: Intersections of TB and cardiovasular diseases carry high morbidity and mortality rates. Early diagnosis and early anti tuberculosis treatment can surely improve the patient prognosis. Our decontamination and disinfective procedures are recommended. Cases like this should be monitored long term for the development of further cardiovascular complication.

Changes in renal function and morphological variations of kidney diseases in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objective:Rheumatoid nephropathy is one of the most severe extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)associated with a very unfavorable prognosis.This study aimed to identify changes in renal function and morphological variations of kidney diseases in RA patients.Methods:The study enrolled patients(126 patients)between 18 and 55 years of age with a confirmed active RA of more than 12 months.Each patient underwent the following range of laboratory and instrumental research methods:general clinical analysis of blood and urine,performing urinalysis according to Nechiporenko method;determining daily proteinuria;determining the blood content of glucose,urea,creatinine,uric acid,total bilirubin,liver transaminase level,ionogram,lipidogram,and coagulogram;determining the blood content of rheumatoid factor,anti-streptolysin O,and C-reactive protein;and X-ray of the joints of hands and feet.Renal function was examined by estimating glomerular filtration rate,tubular reabsorption index,and renal functional reserve.For studying the morphological changes in the kidneys under ultrasound examination,renal biopsy was performed in 31 patients with RA with urinary syndrome(proteinuria more than 0.3 g per day and hematuria).Results:Nephropathy in RA is characterized by impaired renal function and manifested by an increased blood creatinine and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and renal functional reserve.Among morphological variations of nephropathy at RA,mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis prevails,accounting for 48.4%of patients.Other disorders include the secondary amyloidosis(29.0%of patients),tubulointerstitial nephritis(16.1%),membranous glomerulonephritis(3.2%),and focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis(3.2%).Conclusion:Kidney damage is a common systemic manifestation of RA with a long and active course,a major nephropathy trigger.

Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection [LTBI] in Prison Officers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the LTBI prevalence in prison officers worldwide. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, WoS, Embase, and BVS, including all articles related to LTBI prevalence and risk factors. After critical evaluation and qualitative synthesis of the identified articles, a meta-analysis was used. Five studies carried out between 2012 and 2022 were included, with a total sample size of 1718 prison officers. The overall LTBI prevalence was 50% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 48% - 52%;n = 816], with high heterogeneity between studies. Smoking [OR = 1.76;CI 95% = 1.26 - 2.46] and males [OR = 2.08;CI 95% = 1.31 - 3.31] were positively related to a higher LTBI prevalence among prison officers. Thus, preventive measures and the rapid and accurate diagnosis of new cases should be emphasized to ensure tuberculosis control, especially among risk groups such as prison officers.

Investigation of the Clinical Diagnostic Significance of the T-Cell Test for Tuberculosis combined with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Test in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective:To investigate the clinical diagnostic significance of peripheral blood T-cell test(T-spot test)for tuberculosis(TB)infection combined with erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)in pulmonary TB.Methods:41 patients with a clinical diagnosis of TB during hospitalization from January 2020 to April 2023 in our hospital were selected as the experimental group,and 45 patients without TB(bronchopneumonia patients)were selected as the control group.The diagnostic specificity,sensitivity,and accuracy of the T-spot TB test,ESR test,and the combined test of the two were calculated respectively.Results:The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the T-spot TB test combined with ESR for the diagnosis of TB in the experimental group were significantly higher than the individual results of the T-spot TB test and ESR test alone(P<0.05).Conclusion:The T-spot TB test combined with the ESR test for TB diagnosis has greater clinical value than carrying out the tests individually.

Surgical treatment of left-sided renal carcinoma with grade II inferior vena cava tumour thrombus: a report and review of the literature

The surgical removal of renal cancer,along with the thrombectomy of the inferior vena cava tumour thrombus,represents a remarkable milestone in urological surgery.This procedure is not only technically demanding but also requires a high level of surgical expertise.Managing renal cancer combined with a vena cava tumour thrombus poses significant challenges,especially when dealing with combined grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ inferior vena cava tumour thrombus.The complexity of these cases is further exacerbated by the delicate anatomical structures involved and the need to preserve critical vessels while effectively removing the tumour.The Upper Urethral Tumour Treatment Centre of Weifang People's Hospital successfully treated a challenging case of left renal tumour combined with grade II inferior vena cava tumour thrombus.The surgical team,led by experienced urological surgeons,meticulously planned and executed the procedure,ensuring minimal trauma to the patient and complete removal of the tumour.This achievement not only demonstrates the hospital's commitment to providing state-of-the-art surgical care but also highlights the importance of continued research and training in urological oncology.The successful outcome of this case is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the medical team and offers hope to patients facing similar complex surgical challenges.

Tuberculosis of the spine

Pott’s spine,commonly known as spinal tuberculosis(TB),is an extrapulmonary form of TB caused by Mycobacterium TB.Pott’s paraplegia occurs when the spine is involved.Spinal TB is usually caused by the hematogenous spread of infection from a central focus,which can be in the lungs or another location.Spinal TB is distinguished by intervertebral disc involvement caused by the same segmental arterial supply,which can result in severe morbidity even after years of approved therapy.Neurological impairments and spine deformities are caused by progressive damage to the anterior vertebral body.The clinical,radiographic,microbiological,and histological data are used to make the diagnosis of spinal TB.In Pott’s spine,combination multidrug antitubercular therapy is the basis of treatment.The recent appearance of multidrug-resistant/extremely drug-resistant TB and the growth of human immunodeficiency virus infection have presented significant challenges in the battle against TB infection.Patients who come with significant kyphosis or neurological impairments are the only ones who require surgical care.Debride-ment,fusion stabilization,and correction of spinal deformity are the cornerstones of surgical treatment.Clinical results for the treatment of spinal TB are generally quite good with adequate and prompt care.

COVID-19/Tuberculosis Co-Infection at the Epidemic Treatment Center (ETC) of Saint-Louis (Senegal): About 9 Cases

Introduction: COVID-19 is a global public health emergency that can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome. In countries where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, coinfection of COVID-19 and TB is often encountered, which increases the risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19/TB coinfection at the Epidemic treatment center (ETC) in Saint-Louis (Senegal) and to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and outcome profile of co-infected patients. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive cohort study based on the records of COVID-19/ TB co-infected patients who were hospitalized at the ETC in Saint-Louis (Senegal) over an 18-month period from March 2020 to September 2021. Results: Out of a total of 454 hospitalizations, we collected records of 9 patients co-infected with COVID-19/TB, resulting in a prevalence of 2%. The study included patients with a median age of 34 years (range: 10-86 years), with a male predominance (7 cases) and a sex ratio of 3.5. The majority of patients (88.9%) had severe forms of COVID-19. Dyspnea and cough were reported in all patients (100%). Pulmonary TB was the most frequent localization, with 9 cases. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by nasopharyngeal PCR in all patients (100%). Bacilloscopy was positive in 3 out of 5 cases. One patient tested positive for GeneXpert? MTB/RIF without rifampicin resistance. All patients were prescribed the hydroxychloroquine-azithromycin combination and anti-tuberculosis treatment. Out of the nine patients, four recovered (44.4%) and five died (55.5%). Conclusion: COVID-19/TB coinfection had a low prevalence in our cohort, but was associated with a high mortality due to the frequent occurrence of severe forms of the disease.

Metallothionein 1E Alleviates Cadmium-induced Renal Cytotoxicity through Promoting Mitochondrial Functional Recovery

The pervasive utilization of industrial substances has escalated human exposure to cadmium(Cd),a metal associated with long-term negative health outcomes such as renal dysfunction,neurological disorders,and various cancers^([1]).Once ingested by humans,Cd interacts with cysteine-rich metallothioneins(MTs)which have metal-binding and antioxidant properties and is subsequently transported to the kidney^([2]).

Molecular Identification of Mycobacterium Strains Responsible of Bovine Tuberculosis Cases in Bobo-Dioulasso Slaughterhouse, Burkina Faso

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an endemic zoonosis significantly affects animal health in Burkina Faso. The primary causative agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) complex, mainly M. bovis. Cattle are considered as natural reservoir of M. bovis. However, in Burkina Faso, the circulation of these strains remains poorly understood and documented. This study aimed to identify and characterize Mycobacterium strains from suspected carcasses during routine meat inspection at Bobo-Dioulasso refrigerated slaughterhouse. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 on cases of seizures linked to suspected bovine tuberculosis. Microbiological and molecular analyzes were used for mycobacterial strain isolation and characterization. Out of 50 samples, 24% tested positive by microscopy and 12% by culture. Molecular analysis identified 6 strains of Mycobacteria, exclusively Mycobacterium bovis specifically the subspecies bovis (Mycobacterium bovis subsp bovis). In conclusion, M. bovis subsp bovis is the primary agent responsible for bovine tuberculosis in Bobo-Dioulasso. Continuous monitoring of mycobacterial strains is therefore necessary for the effective control of this pathology in the local cattle population.

Effectiveness of Histopathological Examination of Ultrasound-guided Puncture Biopsy Samples for Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of histopathological examination of ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy samples in extrapulmonary tuberculosis(EPTB).Methods This study was conducted at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.A total of 115patients underwent ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy,followed by MGIT 960 culture(culture),smear,Gene Xpert MTB/RIF(Xpert),and histopathological examination.These assays were performed to evaluate their effectiveness in diagnosing EPTB in comparison to two different diagnostic criteria:liquid culture and composite reference standard(CRS).Results When CRS was used as the reference standard,the sensitivity and specificity of culture,smear,Xpert,and histopathological examination were(44.83%,89.29%),(51.72%,89.29%),(70.11%,96.43%),and(85.06%,82.14%),respectively.Based on liquid culture tests,the sensitivity and specificity of smear,Xpert,and pathological examination were(66.67%,72.60%),(83.33%,63.01%),and(92.86%,45.21%),respectively.Histopathological examination showed the highest sensitivity but lowest specificity.Further,we found that the combination of Xpert and histopathological examination showed a sensitivity of 90.80%and a specificity of 89.29%.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided puncture sampling is safe and effective for the diagnosis of EPTB.Compared with culture,smear,and Xpert,histopathological examination showed higher sensitivity but lower specificity.The combination of histopathology with Xpert showed the best performance characteristics.