The Double Trouble Monster - Unmasking Hidden Tuberculosis in Silicosis Patients - A Case Series

Dr. Gowri Shankar S, Dr. Suresh Kumar D, Dr. Sangeetha Priya R

Abstract: Tuberculosis occurs commonly in silicosis and difficult to diagnose. we are presenting four cases of silicotuberculosis. First three cases of silicotuberculosis have occupational risk factors like borewell driller, construction sites and quarry presented with silicotuberculosis clinicradiological features with negative sputum AFB and positive results for tuberculosis obtained from BAL samples. Last case developed silicosis due to inhalational burned sugarcane crops. Antituberculosis therapy started after microbiological confirmation for tuberculosis. Hence vigorous search of tuberculosis in silicosis patients is highly warranted.

Keywords: Silicotuberculosis, cavity, sugarcane, quarry