Vascular lesions in tuberculosis.

Abstract

4 cases of tuberculosis in which the vessels were involved are described: 1 of tuberculous adenitis and arteritis in the region of the carotid artery bifurcation; 1 of tuberculous endometritis associated with aortic pseudoaneurysms and inferior vena cava partial occlusion, and 2 of tuberculous para-aortic adenitis, 1 with complete occlusion of the inferior vena cava, and the other with miliary nodulations of the liver later demonstrated by angiogram. It is suggested that in veiw of the ubiquitous presentations and incidence of tuberculosis in this environment, more vascular studies need be done to demonstrate the frequency and the involvement of the vessels by tuberculosis in cases of tuberculosis. Furthermore, in cases of aortitis and arteritis, tuberculosis must be excluded as an etiological cause.