Disseminated tuberculosis in an immunocompetent adolescent girl presenting without fever: a master clinical conundrum

Archana; Samiksha; Tushar B. Jagzape; Tripty H. Singh; Anil K. Goel

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20261148

Authors

Archana Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Samiksha Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Tushar B. Jagzape Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4462-4494
Tripty H. Singh Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Anil K. Goel Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20261148

Keywords:

Disseminated tuberculosis, Immunocompetent child, Spinal intramedullary tuberculoma, Atypical presentation of TB

Abstract

Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) in immunocompetent child is rare and poses a diagnostic challenge, especially in the absence of typical systemic features. We present a 14-year-old previously healthy girl with no history of fever, cough, or weight loss, who developed progressive lower limb weakness, constipation, and urinary retention. Imaging revealed spinal intramedullary tuberculoma, multiple brain tuberculomas, and pulmonary involvement. Microbiological confirmation was achieved via bronchoscopy. This case emphasizes the importance of high clinical suspicion, early imaging, and microbiological workup in atypical presentations of TB.

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