CA 125 and TB

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Jan 18;14(1):e238199. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-238199.

Abstract

We present two unusual presentations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and more specifically intra-abdominal tuberculosis (TB). These cases were initially suspicious for ovarian cancer, presenting with non-specific symptoms, ultrasound-confirmed ascites and elevated cancer antigen 125 tumour marker (CA 125). However, in both cases chest imaging demonstrated enlarged mediastinal nodes amenable to endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), which confirmed the diagnosis of TB. Both cases were successfully treated with quadruple TB therapy.

Keywords: respiratory medicine; tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Adolescent
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Buttocks
  • CA-125 Antigen / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Tuberculosis / blood
  • Tuberculosis / complications
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • CA-125 Antigen