A Case of Anaphylactoid Purpura Associated with Tuberculous Pleuritis

Abstract

A 46-year-old man was admitted to Shin-Kokura Hospital because of fever and right chest pain. Laboratory studies showed mild leukocytosis, an increased erythrocyte sediment rate, positive C-reactive protein, and abnormal liver function. The tuberculin skin test was positive. A chest X-ray showed massive right pleural effusion, and exudative pleural effusion fluid was obtained by thoracocentesis. The pleural fluid revealed an increased adenosine deaminase concentration and cultures were negative for mycobacteria. A polymerase chain reaction test of the pleural effusion for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive. The patient was diagnosed with tuberculous pleuritis, and antitubercular therapy was started. The fever and chest pain was improved, but rashes appeared on the lower extremities. A biopsy of the skin lesion showed anaphylactoid purpura. Steroid ointment improved the skin lesion.
Anaphylactoid purpura associated with tuberculosis is rare. The immunological response to mycobacteria may heve been related to the mechanism of the anaphylactoid purpura in this case.