Tuberculosis (TB) remains a common lethal infectious disease globally. On occasion, it occurs alongside
interstitial lung disease (ILD), or following treatment of ILD.
Report
We report a case of a 21-year old male with a history of chronic cough, weight loss, bilateral leg swelling,
hypoxaemic on room air and on supplemental oxygen with central cyanosis whose chest radiograph and high
resolution computed tomography chest scan showed features of both tuberculosis and non-specific
interstitial pneumonia. He was treated with a course of prednisolone and azathioprine and anti-TB medicines
leading to significant improvement of his symptoms.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis, a common treatable infectious disease, may coexist with ILD. Treatment of TB contributes to
the overall prognosis of ILD.
Key words: Pulmonary tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, hypoxaemia, anti-TB