Tuberculosis of Exceptional Location in a Haemodialysis Patient

Abstract

Background: Chronic haemodialysis patients present a lack of immunity responsible for a high incidence of tuberculosis of atypical and non-pulmonary localizations. Observation: We present a clinical case of a haemodialysis patient that presents an isolated localisation of prostate tuberculosis. He had no clinical signs but had laboratory findings of inflammatory syndrome and high Prostatic Antigen (PSA) level. The diagnosis was made by histopathologic study of the piece of prostatectomy. The patient received a six-month treatment with an initial two-month phase involving four anti-tuberculosis drugs (Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamid) followed by a four-month maintenance phase involving two drugs (Isoniazid and Rifampicin). All drugs were adapted to his dialysis condition. We noticed no side effects of drugs. Conclusion: Clinical signs of prostatic tuberculosis are not specific, mainly made of an obstructive symptom. The diagnosis of prostatic tuberculosis is based on a bundle of clinical and biological arguments. Koch Bacilli (KB) can rarely be found in urine or sperm. In haemodialysis patient, it can be masked by non specific aspect of inflammatory syndrome. The management must be adjusted and a close following up of side effects is necessary.