Tuberculosis presenting as immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

Background: Although various hematologic abnormalities are seen in tuberculosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare event. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 29 year-old male who was presented with immune thrombocytopenia-induced hemoptysis, macroscopic hematuria and generalized petechiae. The patient was found to have clinical, microbiological and radiological evidence of active pulmonary tuberculosis. The immune thrombocytopenic purpura was successfully treated with antituberculous drugs combined with corticosteroids and high dose immune globulin therapy. Conclusion: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura can be one of the hematological manifestations of tuberculosis which has a global prevalence with increasing incidence secondary to HIV infection. © 2004 Ozkalemkas et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.