Autoimmune bicytopenia in pulmonary tuberculosis. Report of a pediatric case

Summary 

Background

The haematological abnormalities are common in patients with tuberculosis (TB). However, autoimmune bicytopenia is extremely rare in childhood TB.

Case report

A 11-year-old girl presented with 4-week history of fever and cough associated to weight loss. The diagnosis of active pulmonary TB was achieved based on radiological and microbiological findings. Simultaneously, laboratory investigations revealed autoimmune haemolytic anaemia associated to immune thrombocytopenia. These haematological disorders were successfully treated with anti-tubercular drugs only.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis should be included in the etiological investigation of autoimmune “cytopenias” in childhood, specially in endemic countries, since they may respond to anti-tubercular drugs.

Keywords: Pulmonary tuberculosis, Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, Immune thrombocytopenia