Pulmonary Tuberculosis Reactivation: Triggered by the Descent in Altitude?

Authors

  • Filipa Bianchi-de-Aguiar Unidade Funcional 4. Serviço de Medicina. Hospital de S. Francisco Xavier. Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Lisboa. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3723-7936
  • Rafaela Campanha Serviço de Pneumologia. Hospital de Egas Moniz. Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Lisboa.
  • Cátia Guimarães Serviço de Pneumologia. Hospital de Egas Moniz. Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Lisboa.
  • Margarida Simões-Raposo Serviço de Pneumologia. Hospital de Egas Moniz. Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Lisboa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.10151

Keywords:

Altitude, Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Abstract

High altitudes are linked to decreased rates of pulmonary tuberculosis infection, disease and mortality. However, its relevance as a trigger for pulmonary tuberculosis reactivation in immunocompetent patients is not documented. A 28-year-old healthy Nepalese female was admitted in the emergency department with sudden left pleuritic back pain with shortness of breath, two weeks after arriving in Lisbon, having arrived from Kathmandu and undergone a change in altitude of 1400 metres. She also had evening low-grade fever and fatigue since she arrived. Her mother-in-law had died of tuberculosis two years before. Chest radiography and computed tomography scan showed a left upper lobe consolidation. Laboratory analyses were 79 mm/sec. Human immunodeficiency virus serology, blood cultures and urinary antigen testing were negative. Bronchial secretions’ cultures became positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The patient was started on anti-tuberculous treatment and made a steady recovery. This case reports a probable reactivation of pulmonary tuberculosis infection that could have been triggered by altitude differences.

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Published

2018-10-31

How to Cite

1.
Bianchi-de-Aguiar F, Campanha R, Guimarães C, Simões-Raposo M. Pulmonary Tuberculosis Reactivation: Triggered by the Descent in Altitude?. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2018 Oct. 31 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];31(10):589-92. Available from: https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/10151

Issue

Section

Case Report