Death associated with miliary tuberculosis (Koch’s disease): A case report

Abstract

Miliary tuberculosis is a disseminated form of tuberculosis (TB) that is often life-threatening. Due to its vague and diverse clinical presentation in some instances the diagnosis is only confirmed postmortem. A 42-year-old male presented to the emergency department in an altered mental state. Despite intensive management, he succumbed to cardiac arrest. An autopsy revealed disseminated granulomas in multiple organs, with Ziehl-Neelsen staining confirming miliary tuberculosis. Septicaemia was declared the cause of death, highlighting the challenge of diagnosing miliary TB antemortem. Healthcare practitioners must prioritise early and comprehensive examination of high-risk tuberculosis patients and improve awareness.

Keywords

Tuberculosis mycobacterium infections bacterial infections miliary tuberculosis Koch’s disease pulmonary diagnostic challenges

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