Pseudotumoral bronchopulmonary tuberculosis mimicking cancer in an immunocompetent patient

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by tubercle bacillus infection. It can affect all of the body's organs. Pulmonary tuberculosis accounts for a little more than 50% of its occurrences. It is a public health problem worldwide, and developing countries in particular. Pseudotumoralbronchopulmonary tuberculosis is a particular form of tuberculosis in immunocompetent subject. It can manifests as a bronchial or pulmonary lesion, suggesting a neoplasia visible on chest CT scan or bronchoscopy. This similarity can confuse clinicians, making diagnosis challenging and requiring the use of invasive diagnostic techniques, since traditional means are often lacking. This increases burden of care and causes delayed treatment. This study aims to educate clinicians about this particular and uncommon form of tuberculosis, which should be suspected in patient with radiological findings compatible with the disease, especially since they live in a highly endemic country. Therapy and t reatment duration are the same as for common forms of tuberculosis.