Disseminated tuberculous lymphadenitis presenting as cervical mass in patient with HIV infection, worsening after antiretroviral initiation: diagnosis and treatment challenges

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to represent an important public health challenge in the world and the USA, especially given its association with HIV infection and population migration. Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis represents the most common extrapulmonary presentation of TB in the USA. Considerations for other causes of neck mass often contribute to delay in diagnosis. In this report, we describe the case of a 41-year-old man who presented with painful swelling of the neck and was diagnosed with tuberculous lymphadenitis, complicated by HIV therapy-associated immune reconstitution syndrome. Prior to this diagnosis, he presented with a chronic intermittent cough, repeatedly treated as bronchitis. Furthermore, TB is a recognised occupational risk for primary care physician, as they are often the first contact for patients. With the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in the USA, the risk is likely to increase with the influx of newly insured often poor,and/or immigrants.

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