Tetraplegia: Beyond Neuromuscular Respiratory Dysfunction

Publisher: Jaypee Infomedia

ISSN: 0973-2209

Source: Indian Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vol.28, Iss.2, 2017-04, pp. : 69-70

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Abstract

ABSTRACTIn developing countries like India, tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 30 to 80% of all pleural effusions encountered and may complicate TB in 31% of all cases. Among the extrapulmonary presentations, pleural TB is second in frequency after tubercular lymphadenitis. Here, we present the case of a 46-yearold lady with high-level spinal cord injury (SCI), who came to the outpatient department for regular follow-up. She had no specific complaints; however, respiratory system examination revealed decreased breath sounds and on further probing, patient revealed that she had mild breathlessness of 2-day duration. She had no history of contact with TB. On evaluation, she had left-sided pleural effusion; pleural tap was done, which showed increased number of cells with lymphocytosis and mildly elevated adenosine deaminase (ADA). The diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB was made and anti-TB therapy (ATT) (direct observation of drug intake (DOTS) category 1) was started.ConclusionTuberculosis is a common infection in a developing country like India. All cases of breathlessness in a tetraplegic are not due to neuromuscular respiratory dysfunction.How to cite this articleMeghaja S. Tetraplegia: Beyond Neuromuscular Respiratory Dysfunction. Indian J Phy Med Rehab 2017;28(2):69-70.