Abstract

*Swami Nath Kapoor, Satyajit K. O. and Salman Akshay

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a common cause of pulmonary morbidity and mortality in children. We report a seven month old unimmunized child admitted with complaints of cough and fever for fifteen days. Investigations revealed a large cavity in the right lung. Chest computed tomography scan revealed an abscess in the right upper lobe along with multiple necrotic lymph nodes. Gastric aspirates were positive for acid fast bacilli. However, children younger than five years old may develop disseminated TB before the Tubercular Skin Tests result becomes positive. As such, a very high index of suspicion must be adopted when pediatric patients have a contact history.