Urine trouble: genitourinary tuberculosis and subsequent DRESS syndrome

Abstract

A 40-year-old woman with HIV (CD4 270, viral load undetectable) from Zambia presented with fevers, urinary tract infection symptoms, sterile pyuria and haematuria. She was found to have genitourinary tuberculosis (TB) via mycobacterial culture of urine and ascites, and treated with rifabutin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. She later had multiple episodes of asymptomatic transaminitis, triggering changes to both TB and HIV regimens. The patient then presented with diffuse rash, fevers, transaminitis and eosinophilia concerning for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). After initial improvement on discontinuation of likely responsible medications and completion of corticosteroid therapy, the patient returned with acute liver failure. This new episode was felt to be severe organ dysfunction due to DRESS, and she was treated with a prolonged corticosteroid taper and changes to her TB regimen. She has since completed therapy for TB, has improving CD4 counts and is without evidence of liver dysfunction.

Keywords: HIV / AIDS; hepatitis other; immunology; tuberculosis; unwanted effects / adverse reactions.

Figure 1

Abdominal sonogram of right kidney in sagittal plane demonstrating dilated calyces filled with debris. Radiology interpreted these findings as genitourinary tuberculosis versus xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.