Abstract
Endobronchial tuberculosis is rare. The endoscopic aspects are often misleading that may pose a problem of differential diagnosis. The aim of our work is to clarify the pathophysiology, diagnostic difficulties and the evolution of that entity. Our work is a retrospective study of 15 cases of endobronchial tuberculosis collected at the service over a period of 11 years. The average age was 31 years. Clinical signs were not specific. The chest X-ray objectified retractile opacity (47%) and mediastinal widening (39%). Bronchoscopy was essential for the positive diagnosis. She visualized endobronchial granulomas in 6 cases of tumor buds look in 5 cases and ferrule stenosis in 4 cases. Chest CT objectified mediastinal lymphadenopathy with fistulated in the bronchi in 6 cases, alveolar condensation in 3 cases and associated tissue density corresponding to a tumor-like process tuberculosis in one case. Endobronchial tuberculosis was confirmed by bronchial biopsy (8 cases), by biopsy transparietal (2 cases), thoracotomy (one case), for peripheral lymph node biopsy (2 cases) and radio-clinical presumption of arguments with good evolution in treatment (2 cases). The treatment was based on antibacillary in all cases associated with oral corticosteroids in cases of significant airway obstruction in 5 cases. The outcome was favorable without sequelae or price minimal effects in all cases. Endobronchial tuberculosis is rare and can simulate a tumor. It is important to mention to the absence of smoking and to suggestive endoscopic signs. The early started treatment can prevent complications.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015