Endobronchial tuberculosis simulating bronchial asthma

TH Lee, KN Sin Fai Lam
Correspondence: Dr K N Sin Fai Lam, Fai_Lam_Sin@alexhosp.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Pulmonary tuberculosis is still a major health problem worldwide, but the principles of diagnosis and treatment are well-established. Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) is known to complicate pulmonary tuberculosis and its importance lies in the potential for bronchostenosis. In the absence of parenchymal disease, EBTB is less well-recognised and can lead to difficulties in diagnosis. We report a 26-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath and wheezing simulating bronchial asthma. Although the chest radiograph did not show any lung infiltrate, a bronchoscopy was carried out. The findings, suspicious of malignancy, were actually due to EBTB, which was confirmed on histology by special stains and on culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient subsequently developed bronchostenosis, a well-described complication.

Keywords: asthma, bronchial stenosis, cancer, endobronchial tuberculosis
Singapore Med J 2004; 45(8): 390-392