RESUMEN
Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by a syndrome of productive cough and recurrent respiratory infections due to permanent dilatation of the bronchi. In this case, we discuss a 32-year-old male patient with a history of tuberculosis (TB) from a rural area of Wardha, Maharashtra. The case discusses the diagnostic modalities confirming the diagnosis, sputum investigations, and imaging studies like chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function test (PFT), and bronchoscopy. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and management of bronchiectasis in patients with a history of pulmonary TB. Chronic inflammation and necrosis from the initial TB infection likely contributed to impaired mucociliary clearance and bronchial dilation, creating a conducive environment for bacterial colonization and recurrent infections. This case highlights the need for long-term follow-up and potential interventions to manage chronic respiratory symptoms in post-TB patients.
RESUMEN
A 63-year-old man had been smoking bidis for 25 years and developed tubercular empyema, further complicated by pneumothorax and other pulmonary issues. Over a period of three weeks, the individual experienced a gradual onset of symptoms, including progressive shortness of breath, cough, fever, and chest pain. Radiographic examinations revealed significant left-sided pleural effusion with consolidation and evidence of pneumothorax. Other findings included anemia, hyponatremia, substantially increased lactate dehydrogenase, and adenosine deaminase (ADA), consistent with tubercular or chronic infection. The comprehensive treatment plan involved the administration of antibiotics, antitubercular drugs, draining of the pleural fluid, nebulized bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient exhibited a positive response, showing notable clinical improvement, which was closely monitored through sequential chest X-rays and ECGs. This would continue to highlight the vital need for early tuberculosis detection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to clinical overlap with other diseases. To diagnose and follow up on tuberculous pleural effusion cases, it was critical to integrate both clinical and radiographic findings with laboratory data. It emphasizes the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach to improve overall treatment outcomes.