[Miliary tuberculosis: a report of 49 cases]

Abstract

Introduction: Miliary tuberculosis is a severe, acute form of tuberculosis due to lymphohaematogenous dissemination of tubercle bacilli from a focal lesion.

Patients and methods: A prospective study of was undertaken at the Pneumology Clinic of the National University Hospital Centre (CHUN) of Fann, over a period of 30 months (January 2007-June 2009), in order to assess the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and evolutionary aspects of miliary tuberculosis.

Results: Miliary tuberculosis accounted for 3.8% (n=49) of all diagnosed cases of tuberculosis. The sex-ratio was 1.7. The average age of patients was 37.5 years with a range of 15 to 70 years. The typical radiological appearances were present in 88% of cases whereas only 10% were positive on direct smear. HIV serology was positive in 29%. In the hospital environment, the mortality was 12.2%.

Conclusion: Miliary tuberculosis is a severe form of the disease. The prognosis depends on early diagnosis and treatment.