Multiple Extrapulmonary Tuberculous Abscesses Developed Postpartum in a Non-HIV Patient Under Anti-tuberculosis Chemotherapy

Although abscess formation constitutes a recognized complication of tuberculous lymphadenitis, the concomitant development of multiple tuberculous abscesses in the course of tuberculous lymphadenitis has rarely been described in the literature among HIV-negative patients under appropriate chemotherapy. Adherence and sensitivity to the administered anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy have to be verified in such patients. We report a case of deteriorating tuberculous lymphadenitis, presenting with the development of multiple extrapulmonary abscesses (cervical, psoas, and retroperitoneal) in an HIV-negative patient who had complied with appropriate anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy for four months. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the identified pathogen in specimens from the abscesses. Continuation of anti-tuberculosis medications and concurrent administration of antibiotics, along with CT-guided percutaneous drainage of the psoas abscess, resulted in gradual resolution of the patient's lesions. Interestingly, our patient had recent childbirth, indicating a potential association between the immunomodulatory processes during the postpartum period and the development of the so-called paradoxical reaction. Awareness of such complications should be raised, as a timely recognition and subsequent therapeutical treatment are essential for a favorable outcome.