Clinical pattern of tuberculous adenitis in Qatar: experience with 35 patients

Clinicopathological Profile in Patients with Tubercular Cervical Lymphadenitis and Its Treatment Outcome

Tuberculosis is a common occurrence in developing countries. Drug resistance, co-morbidities, and limited availability of new rapid tests such as the GeneXpert/MTB Rif assay make diagnosis and treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis burdensome. A cross-sectional study was carried out at Employees' State Insurance Corporation Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana of patients treated for tubercular cervical lymphadenopathy from December 2021 to March 2023 in the department of ENT. This study included 58 patients. The clinicopathological profile of patients and the outcome of treatment with antitubercular therapy were noted. The majority of patients had level V (39.6%) involvement. Incidental diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was seen in 2 cases (3.4%). Fever was the commonest constitutional symptom observed in 27.5% of cases. FNAC was suggestive of tubercular abscess in 48.2% and the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay detected Mycobacterial tuberculosis in all the cases with rifampicin resistance in only one case. 56 cases (96.5%) had complete resolution after completion of antitubercular therapy including patients with rifampicin resistance and patients with diabetes mellitus. In the remaining two cases, treatment was prolonged for a few months before the resolution of the disease was observed. Timely diagnosis, patient compliance to antitubercular therapy, and adequate management of comorbidities lead to successful treatment outcomes in tubercular cervical lymphadenitis. Delayed response to treatment in a few cases needs further research into factors like immune status, nutrition, living conditions, and quality of drugs available to the public.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of Tuberculosis lymphadenitis in a tertiary center from Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Tuberculosis is among the deadliest infectious diseases. Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes which is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. Saudi Arabia is rated as a country with a low incidence of tuberculosis. The study's objective is to describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of TB lymphadenitis (TBL) at a large tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Method

All patients 18 years and older diagnosed with TB lymphadenitis between 2010 and 2021 at a single tertiary center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were reviewed retrospectively for their clinical presentation, diagnostic yield, therapy, and outcome.

Result

107 patients were included in the final analysis. The distribution of males and females were nearly equal, at 50.5 % and 49.5 %, respectively. The average age was 45. During the ten-year period of our investigation, the number of confirmed TBL ranged from 19 (the highest in 2010) to as little as one patient in 2021. 72.8 percent of patients presented with TBL affecting the neck. The most commonly used diagnostic method was histopathological examination of the tissue sample, granulomatous inflammations were found in 89.2 % of cases of theses necrotizing granuloma. 10.7 % of our isolates had resistance. The average duration of anti-TB treatment was 6.8 months with a cure rate of 72.9 %.

Conclusion

The majority of patients in this study had cervical lymphadenopathy, with histopathology being the mainstay of diagnosis. 90 % of TBL cultures were susceptible to first-line anti-TB therapy.

Plasma adipocytokines distinguish tuberculous lymphadenitis from pulmonary tuberculosis

Adipocytokines are the major secretory products of adipose tissue and potential markers of metabolism and inflammation. However, their association in host immune response against tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBL) disease is not known. Thus, we measured the systemic levels of adipocytokines in TBL (n = 44) and compared to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB, n = 44) and healthy control (HC, n = 44) individuals. We also examined the pre and post-treatment adipocytokine levels in TBL individuals upon completion of standard anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were performed between TBL, PTB and HCs to find the potential discriminatory markers. Finally, principal component (PCA) analysis was performed to reveal the expression patterns of adipocytokines among study groups. Our results demonstrate that TBL is associated with significantly higher systemic levels of adipocytokines (except resistin) when compared with PTB and significantly lower levels when compared with HC (except adiponectin) individuals. Upon completion of ATT, the systemic levels of adiponectin and resistin were significantly decreased when compared to pre-treatment levels. Upon ROC analysis, all the three adipocytokines discriminated TBL from PTB but not with HCs, respectively. Similarly, adipocytokines were differentially clustered in TBL in comparison to PTB in PCA analysis. Therefore, adipocytokines are a distinguishing feature in TBL compared to PTB individuals.

Rodent-Related Zoonotic Pathogens at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface in Qatar: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Rodents are one of the most diversified terrestrial mammals, and they perform several beneficial activities in nature. These animals are also important as carriers of many pathogens with public health importance. The current systematic review was conducted to formulate a true depiction of rodent-related zoonoses in Qatar. Following systematic searches on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science and a screening process, a total of 94 published articles were selected and studied. The studied articles reported 23 rodent-related zoonotic pathogens that include nine bacterial, eleven parasitic, and three viral pathogens, from which the frequently reported pathogens were Mycobacterium tuberculosis (32 reports), Escherichia coli (23), and Salmonella spp. (16). The possible pathway of entry of the rodent-borne pathogens can be the land port, seaports, and airport of Qatar through carrier humans and animals, contaminated food, and agricultural products. The pathogens can be conserved internally by rodents, pets, and livestock; by agricultural production systems; and by food marketing chains. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of the pathogens among the human population was 4.27% (95%CI: 4.03–4.51%; p < 0.001) with significant heterogeneity (I² = 99.50%). The top three highest prevalent pathogens were M.tuberculosis (30.90%; 22.75–39.04%; p < 0.001; I² = 99.70%) followed by Toxoplasma gondii (21.93%; 6.23–37.61%; p < 0.001; I² = 99.30%) and hepatitis E virus (18.29%; 11.72–24.86%; p < 0.001; I² = 96.70%). However, there is a knowledge gap about the listed pathogens regarding the occurrence, transmission pathways, and rodent role in transmission dynamics at the human–animal–environment interface in Qatar. Further studies are required to explore the role of rodents in spreading zoonotic pathogens through the One Health framework, consisting of zoologists, ecologists, microbiologists, entomologists, veterinarians, and public health experts in this country.

Tuberculous lymphadenopathy: Experience from the referral center of Northern India

Background:

Lymphadenopathy is the common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in the developing country like India. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical and the pathological features of tuberculous peripheral lymphadenopathy along with the effect of the antitubercular drugs on its clinical course.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective study was carried out in the department of pulmonary medicine from July 2013 to June 2014. Clinico-demographical and pathological characteristics of the patients of tuberculous lymphadenopathy were studied.

Results:

Two and four cases, 84 (41.2%) male and 120 (58.8%) females were diagnosed as the cases of tuberculous lymphadenopathy. Mean age of the patients were 28.45 ± 12.83. Palpable mass (100%) was the most common presenting feature. Cervical lymphadenopathy (92.6%) was the most common presentation of peripheral tuberculous lymphadenopathy. Most common cytological pattern seen was epithelioid granuloma with caseous necrosis (32.84%) followed by epithelioid granuloma without caseous necrosis on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) for TB was effective in treating tuberculous lymphadenopathy.

Conclusion:

Tuberculous lymphadenopathy affects female more often than males. FNAC is the effective mean in diagnosing tuberculous lymphadenopathy. DOTS is the effective mean for treating tuberculous lymphadenopathy.

Comparison of Ultrasonographic Findings of Biopsy-Proven Tuberculous Lymphadenitis and Kikuchi Disease

Objective

Although tuberculous lymphadenitis and Kikuchi disease are common causes of cervical lymphadenopathy in Asians and exhibit similar clinical manifestations, their treatment strategies are totally different. The purpose of this study was to identify ultrasonographic features that distinguish these two diseases.

Materials and Methods

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. The study included 77 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis and 135 patients with Kikuchi disease. The sex and age distributions of the patients were analyzed. The size and shape of lymph nodes (LNs), presence of conglomeration, increased perinodal echogenicity, echogenic hilum, posterior neck involvement, internal calcification, patterns of internal necrosis, laterality of involved LNs, and hilar vascular patterns on ultrasonography were compared between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent findings to discriminate tuberculous lymphadenitis from Kikuchi disease. Finally, diagnostic accuracies were calculated using the independent findings.

Results

The presence of an echogenic hilum, internal calcification, patterns of internal necrosis, and LN hilar vascular structures on power Doppler ultrasonography were independent findings that discriminated tuberculous lymphadenitis from Kikuchi disease. The diagnostic accuracy of each of these four factors was 84.9% (181/212), 76.9% (163/212), 84% (178/212), and 89.2% (189/212), respectively. A combination of internal calcification and hilar vascular structures showed the best accuracy of 89.6% (190/212) (sensitivity, 86.7% [117/135]; specificity, 94.8% [73/77]) for diagnosing Kikuchi disease.

Conclusion

The presence of an echogenic hilum, internal calcification, pattern of internal necrosis, and LN hilar vascular structures are useful ultrasonographic findings to differentiate tuberculous lymphadenitis from Kikuchi disease.

Tuberculosis lymphadenitis in a southeastern region in Tunisia: Epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment

AIM

To evaluate patients' profiles, demographics, clinical and therapeutic approaches and strategies in patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of all TBG-confirmed cases admitted in a tuberculosis-specific health care facility between 1 January 2009 and 16 June 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 181 clinical files were examined. Mean age was 32years old; the female/male ratio was 1.78 to 1. Raw milk consumption was noted in 1/3 of patients. Most cases involved the head and neck region (83.4%), nodes involvement, including axillary (12 cases), and mediastinal (9 cases). Clinical symptoms were present in only 55.2%. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was conducted with 82.6% positive responses. Diagnostics confirmation was done with anatomical pathology in most of the patients; only 56 of them had any microbiology analysis done. Demonstration of acid-fast bacilli in microscopy from either fine-needle aspirates or biopsies was done in 17.5% of cases, and cultures yielded positive results in 27%. Treatment duration was varied. Paradoxical reactions were noted in 12% and persistent lymphadenopathy after treatment completion was noted in 10% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

TBG remains a disease of interest. Today, its diagnosis and management is still a problem despite its increasing worldwide incidence, and especially in this study area. Disease control should be strengthened in this country.

Adult tuberculous meningitis in Qatar: a descriptive retrospective study from its referral center

BACKGROUND

Tuberculous meningitis is the severest and commonest form of central nervous system tuberculosis causing high mortality and morbidity. We aim to study the clinical, biochemical, and radiological characteristics of tuberculous meningitis in adult patients in Qatar and to calculate the incidence.

METHODS

A descriptive retrospective 7-year study was conducted at the Hamad General Hospital (the only tertiary referral center and sole health care provider for tuberculosis in Qatar) between the 1st of January 2006 and the 31st of December 2012, to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and the incidence of adult tuberculous meningitis in Qatar.

RESULTS

Tuberculous meningitis was diagnosed in 80 patients (65 male, 15 female), with a mean age of 30.3 ± 8.9. The majority of patients (76.3%) were from the Indian subcontinent. The commonest clinical features were fever (79%), headache (71%), and meningism (56%). Cerebrospinal fluid tuberculosis culture was positive in 44% of patients. Almost 39% of patients were in Stage I, 46% in Stage II and 15% in Stage III of the disease. The commonest neuroimaging features were leptomeningeal enhancement (34%) and hydrocephalus (33%). Cranial nerve palsy, limb weakness, and an elevated C-reactive protein were associated with a poorer outcome. Sixty eight percent had complete recovery, 10% had residual neurological sequelae without disability, 17% had disability, and 5% died. The average incidence of tuberculous meningitis over 7 years was 0.9 per 100,000 adult population.

CONCLUSION

The characteristics of tuberculous meningitis were described in our population. Our data indicate that the incidence of tuberculosis meningitis in Qatar has increased. Tuberculous meningitis in Qatar is mainly an imported disease.

Imaging-pathologic correlation of diseases in the axilla

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the imaging and histopathologic findings of various axillary diseases and suggests management guidelines for radiologists based on imaging findings with clinical correlation.

CONCLUSION

Although axillary diseases may reveal nonspecific imaging findings, a knowledge of the characteristic radiologic manifestations of specific diseases according to anatomic origin (nodal, accessory breast, adipocytic, fibrous, nerve, vascular, stromal, and dermal) and postsurgical lesions aids in establishing an appropriate differential diagnosis and determining whether intervention is necessary.

Current diagnosis and management of peripheral tuberculous lymphadenitis

Peripheral tuberculous lymphadenitis accounts for ~10% of tuberculosis cases in the United States. Epidemiologic characteristics include a 1.4:1 female-to-male ratio, a peak age range of 30-40 years, and dominant foreign birth, especially East Asian. Patients present with a 1-2 month history of painless swelling of a single group of cervical lymph nodes. Definitive diagnosis is by culture or nucleic amplification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; demonstration of acid fast bacilli and granulomatous inflammation may be helpful. Excisional biopsy has the highest sensitivity at 80%, but fine-needle aspiration is less invasive and may be useful, especially in immunocompromised hosts and in resource-limited settings. Antimycobacterial therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, but response is slower than with pulmonary tuberculosis; persistent pain and swelling are common, and paradoxical upgrading reactions may occur in 20% of patients. The role of steroids is controversial. Initial excisional biopsy deserves consideration for both optimal diagnosis and management of the otherwise slow response to therapy.

Peritoneal tuberculosis in Qatar: a five-year hospital-based study from 2005 to 2009

There is limited information about peritoneal tuberculosis in Qatar. This retrospective study aimed to review our experience with peritoneal tuberculosis in patients admitted to Hamad general hospital over a period of 5 years, from 2005 to 2009, with emphasis on presentation, investigation, diagnosis and therapeutic outcome. Fifty-four patients with peritoneal tuberculosis identified during the study period were included. The mean age of them was 31.85 years and 96.3% (52/54) of them were non-Qataris with male predominance. The main symptoms and signs at the time of presentation were abdominal pain and ascites respectively. Underlying diseases were described in 24% (13/54) and history of contact with tuberculous cases was present in 31.5% (17/54) of patients. Tuberculin test was positive in 66.7% (36/54). The ascitic fluid smear showed acid fast bacilli in 2% (1/53), and culture was positive in 39.6% (21/53) of cases. Laparoscopically obtained peritoneal biopsy showed caseating granulomas in 93% (40/43) and mycobacteria were identified by acid fast staining and culture in 58.5% (24/41) and 98% (40/41) of the tested specimens respectively. Most of the patients (84%; 37/44) who had completed their therapy in Qatar improved with antituberculosis therapy, and only one patient died. In conclusion, the clinical features and the imaging findings of the disease were non-specific. A high index of suspicion is essential for early diagnosis. Culture of ascitic fluid delayed the diagnosis in clinically suspected cases, whereas laparoscopically guided peritoneal biopsy provided rapid and correct diagnosis. A Six-month course with antituberculous therapy was effective and improved the outcome.

Rifampicin-isoniazid induced fatal fulminant hepatitis during treatment of latent tuberculosis: A case report and literature review

A 42-year-old Indian man received 450 mg rifampicin (RIF) and 150 mg isoniazid (INH) daily after being diagnosed of a latent tuberculosis infection. Baseline serum aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels were within normal limits. On day 31 of treatment, the patient experienced epigastric discomfort and general malaise and one week later he developed nausea and episodic vomiting. The patient missed his first scheduled clinic appointment and he continued taking RIF-INH despite his symptoms. He visited the tuberculosis clinic on day 47 of treatment where he was found to be jaundiced and his liver enzymes were elevated. RIF-INH was stopped and the patient was admitted to our hospital as a case of RIF-INH induced hepatitis. On the 7th day of hospitalization, the patient developed consciousness disturbance with flapping tremor and high ammonia level. The patient was diagnosed with fulminant hepatic failure and transferred immediately to the medical intensive care unit, where he died 4 days later.