Immune thrombocytopenia associated with pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

Many hematological abnormalities, such as pancytopenia, anemia, and leukocytosis, can be associated with tuberculosis (TB). Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an extremely rare event in TB. We report a 46-year-old male patient who was admitted to hospital with a history of weight loss, combined with hemoptysis, fever, cough, sputum, general malaise, and night sweats. Physical examination revealed a body temperature of 38.8A degrees C, and petechiae distributed over the lower extremities. Laboratory findings were as follows: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 84 mm/h; white blood cells, 7070/mm(3); hemoglobin, 11.7 g/dl; and platelet count, 4000/mm(3). On Ziehl-Neelsen stain of sputum, acid-fast bacilli were observed. Anti-tuberculosis therapy was started, together with prednisolone, 0.5 mg/kg per day, from the day of admission. He was treated successfully with the steroid and antituberculous drugs.