A Fatal Miliary Tuberculosis Case Presenting as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

A case of fatal miliary tuberculosis presenting as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was reported. A 15 year old woman, known to have ventricular septal defect for 7 years was admitted to the hospital with fever, shaking chills and dry cough. The chest X-ray revealed miliary pattern throughout both lung fields. The patient developed ARDS within 24 hours of admission to the hospital. Microscopic examination of the endotracheal aspirate of the patient revealed (++) acid fast bacilli. Despite early ventilatory support and antituberculosis therapy the patient died. This case emphasizes the importance of considering miliary tuberculosis as a cause of ARDS