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Pulmonary Tuberculosis Presenting as Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Capsule Hotel Resident

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We report a case of a 60-year-old man who developed severe respiratory failure after collapsing in a sauna facility. Initially diagnosed with severe community-acquired pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), his condition deteriorated despite standard treatment, necessitating venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Acid-fast bacilli testing confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) on day 4, prompting the initiation of anti-TB therapy. Following clinical improvement, the patient was successfully weaned from VV-ECMO and transferred to a specialized TB hospital for ongoing care. This case highlights the importance of considering TB in cases of antibiotic-refractory severe pneumonia and ARDS, particularly in patients with social risk factors, even in low-incidence countries. Early recognition and treatment of TB are crucial to improving patient outcomes and minimizing transmission risks.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.80082

Authors: Ichita Yamamoto, Tomoya Okazaki, Yasuhiro Norisue

Institution: Tokyo Bay Urayasu Ichikawa Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Tuberculosis Research and Epidemiology

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4408216989

FWCI:

Cites: 7

Cited by:

Related to: 10