DISSEMINATED TUBERCULOSIS WITH A NEAR ASYMPTOMATIC PRESENTATION IN A TODDLER

Abstract

A toddler was referred to us with complaints of poor weight gain and appetite since 2 months. A routine evaluation was done at nearby hospital which showed right middle zone infiltrates in Chest X ray, for which child was given antibiotics for two weeks. GeneXpert of gastric lavage sent was negative. Child was referred in view of persisting radiological changes. At our tertiary care centre, CT Chest with abdomen done showed right upper lobe consolidation, multiple necrotic lymph nodes in mediastinal, retroperitoneal region and multiple hypo-enhancing lesions in liver. Laparoscopic biopsy of the lesion with GeneXpert confirmed Tuberculosis. Child was started on Antitubercular treatment. Presentation of a child with disseminated tuberculosis with nonspecific symptoms like poor weight gain is rare. Such cases pose diagnostic dilemma due to lack of overt clinical symptoms. Potential delay in treatment can cause significant complications. Hence, early detection is vital in management of Tuberculosis