The role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the management of perinatal tuberculosis: a case report

Abstract

Perinatal tuberculosis is a rare disease with high mortality and a challenging diagnosis. We reported a 56-day-old female infant with cough and wheezing. Her mother had miliary tuberculosis. Gastric aspirate smear, tuberculin skin test, blood and sputum culture of the infant were negative. Thoracic computed tomography demonstrated several consolidated patches with diffuse high-density nodular opacities in bilateral lungs. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed to obtain bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, reduce secretion and restore airway patency on 2 days after admission. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid Xpert MTB/RIF and rifampicin resistance was negative on 3 days after admission. Appropriate anti-tuberculosis drug was chosen. The infant made a good recovery. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy plays a vital role in diagnosing rapidly and treating perinatal tuberculosis. And it could be promoted as an important approach to the management of perinatal tuberculosis.

Keywords:

• Perinatal tuberculosis
• fiberoptic bronchoscopy
• tuberculosis
• infant

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the patient who took part in the study and all staff members.

Ethical approval and consent to participate

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tianjin Children’s Hospital.

Consent for publication

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient’s parents for the publication of this case report and the accompanying images.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Program of Tianjin Science and Technology Plan (21JCYBJC00370), the Project of Tianjin Municipal Health and Health Committee (ZC20060, TJWJ2021QN050) and the grant funded by Tianjin Key Medical Discipline (Specialty) Construction Project (TJYXZDXK-040A).