Extrapulmonary TB: Presentation & Predisposing Factors
・Most common forms are lymph node, pleural, genitourinary, miliary, bone/joint, and meningeal disease
・% of patients with EPTB varies in different areas
- Genetic factors play a role
- HIV infection is most important factor; % of patients with EPTB increases with more advance HIV disease
・Presentation and differential diagnosis of EPTB are different in persons with and without HIV infection
Diagnostic Approach: Practical Point
・Many patients with EPTB also have co-existent pulmonary TB
・If a patient is suspected of having EPTB, look for pulmonary TB
- Whenever possible, perform a chest x-ray
- At least send sputum samples for AFB smear
