Pulmonary Tuberculosis mimicking a right Eventration on Radiography: The falsity of single view radiograph in the diagnosis of a precursor of pulmonary disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: The diaphragm is one of the most important muscles of respiration in the body separating the abdomen from the thorax. Abnormalities of the diaphragm could be congenital or acquired, morphological or functional while pulmonary infection e.g. pulmonary tuberculosis, is implicated in its etiology.

Case presentation: A 63-year- old man with six weeks history of cough productive of yellowish sputum. Chest X-ray showed a uniform well-circumscribed opacity in the right lower lobe abutting on or in continuum with the right diaphragm consistent with a diaphragmatic hump. Sputum Gene Xpert was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chest CT scan revealed bilateral lymph node enlargement with hyperdense lesions in the anterior basal segment of the right lower lobe and medial bronchopulmonary segments of the right middle lobe. He was treated for 6 months with first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Discussion: The incidence of the diaphragmatic hump on chest radiograph worldwide and among Nigerians is unknown. The association of diaphragmatic hump with chest infection has been well document. The association of diaphragmatic hump with pulmonary tuberculosis is uncommon.

Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis with atypical clinical and radiological presentations. Such prompt diagnosis will aid the treatment of the disease.