Tuberculosis‐Associated Paradoxical Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in an HIV‐Negative Patient Presenting With a Recurrent Pleural Effusion Managed With Prednisolone: A Case Report

TL;DR

An HIV-negative person with tuberculosis experienced a severe lung condition that improved after steroid treatment.

Contribution

This case report highlights successful steroid treatment for paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV-negative TB patient.

Findings

A non-HIV-infected TB patient developed massive pleural effusion.

Steroid treatment improved symptoms, quality of life, and imaging results.

Paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome can occur in non-HIV patients.

Abstract

Non‐HIV‐infected people with pulmonary tuberculosis can develop paradoxical worsening of lung conditions, including massive pleural effusion, which at times requires multiple drainage. This paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome can successfully be treated with a short course of steroids, resulting in symptom, quality of life, and imaging improvements.

Chest CT scan 1 month after starting TB treatment demonstarting left side massive pleural effusion.

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