Transudative or masked exudative polyserositis in disseminated tuberculosis? A case report

INTRODUCTION: Polyserositis in disseminated tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon presentation. The exudative nature of effusion in disseminated TB can be masked by presence of malnutrition due TB. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old female, diagnosed with disseminated TB, developed polyserositis with transudative nature of fluid. She was treated with anti-tubercular therapy (ATT). CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Polyserositis, though an uncommon presentation in disseminated TB, was the clinical manifestation in our case. But transudative nature of the fluid was an unexpected finding. Hypoalbuminemia as a result of malnutrition due to TB was the cause for masking exudative effusion in TB. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminemia as a result of malnutrition due to TB can be the reason for transudative nature of effusion in polyserositis.