Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Case Series Highlighting the Importance of Early Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is an established cause of arterial and  venous thrombosis. With the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB), which has a prolonged treatment course, pulmonary thromboembolism in such cases further complicates the treatment outcome in terms of mortality and morbidity. TB causes systemic hypercoagulability, which may lead to both arterial and venous thrombosis. Therefore, it is important for treating physicians to be aware of the entity and have a sharp watch for the development of Pulmonary thromboembolism in cases of MDR TB. The Case: We present the association of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) with MDR TB in three young males who developed pulmonary thromboembolism during the treatment of MDR TB, along with their management using anticoagulant agents. Conclusion: PTE in cases of TB is rare but fatal. High suspicion of PTE in patients with MDR TB will help in diagnosing the dreaded condition early and aid in reducing preventable mortality with PTE. Early recognition, prompt diagnosis, and management is the key to saving the lives of those with this fatal complication.