Jurnal Respirasi (JR)
Vol. 11 No. 3 (2025): September 2025

Disseminated Tuberculosis in An Immunocompetent Patient Presenting with Ptosis and Diplopia: A Case Report

Zahra, Nadhifa Az (Unknown)
Pradnyandari, Anak Agung Sagung Putri (Unknown)
Kusmiati, Tutik (Unknown)
Widjaja, Stella Agatha (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health burden to this day, with pulmonary TB (PTB) being one of its most common types. A lapse in the host immune response may lead to the dissemination of TB infection, causing extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) that is more difficult to manage, as it frequently shows atypical complaints. However, its manifestations among immunocompetent patients are rarely well-investigated. Case: A 28-year-old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative woman presented with a history of chronic progressive bilateral headache, followed by diplopia and ptosis of her left eyelid. She also had classical TB symptoms 3 months prior. She had a history of household tuberculous contact for years, but she was never tested for TB nor given an anti-TB treatment (ATT). Chest X-ray revealed cavities and pleural thickening in the apex of the left lung. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed multiple intracranial tuberculomas and meningeal enhancement in most brain areas. GeneXpert tests from both sputum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suggested TB infections. She was later diagnosed with simultaneous tuberculous meningoencephalitis (TBME) and PTB. After a 17-day course of oral ATT, streptomycin injection, and intravenous corticosteroid, she was discharged with improved clinical conditions and scheduled for outpatient follow-up until she completed 12 months of ATT. Conclusion: In immunocompetent patients, disseminated TB is an uncommon occurrence and is frequently characterized by atypical symptoms. Findings from this case emphasize that comprehensive assessment and timely therapeutic intervention are critical for minimizing morbidity and mortality of TB infection.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JR

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Jurnal Respirasi is a National journal in accreditation process managed by Department of Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine Faculty of Medicine Airlangga University - Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya. Publish every January, May, September every year with each of 5 (five) complete texts in ...