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EPTB

Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis(EPTB) is a very common TB of chest involving organs other than Lung.This affects Lymph glands,ribs,vertebra etc.They may present as a swelling(Cold Abscess),a discharging sinus.This disease is treated by Anti TB drugs with or without surgery.

1) What Is EPTB?

Ans: EPTB means Extra pulmonary Tuberculosis. The term EPTB has been used to describe isolated occurrence of of tuberculosis at body sites other than the lung.

2) How Frequently EPTB Occurs In Patients?

Ans: It has been observed that EPTB constituted about 15 to 20 per cent of all cases of TB .In HIV-positive patients, EPTB accounts for more than 50 per cent of all cases of TB .

3) What Is The Commonest Type Of EPTB?

Ans: Lymph node TB(LNTB) known as ‘Gland TB’or ‘Scrofula’continues to be the most common form of EPTB.

4) How EPTB Is Diagnosed?

Ans: When EPTB is suspected then most accessible body tissue or fluid should taken from the suspected organ for examination.Nowadays USG,CT,MRI are done to find the structural changes of suspected organs.Endoscopy,laparoscopy etc. also helps in the diagnosis.

5) How EPTB Is Treated?

Ans: The disease usually responds to standard antituberculosis drug treatment. Surgery is required at times for diagnosis and for managing complications.

Gallery

Operative Photograph of same patient showing an intercostal lymph node
CT Scan of chest of same patient
Cold abscess over anterior chest
Same patient in another profile
USG picture of that cold abscess