A Case of Congenital Tuberculosis woth Massive Ascites and Pleural Effusion

Lee, Yun Ju; Kim, Kyung Sim; Kim, Yong Wook; Kim, Ki Bok

Abstract

We experienced a case of congenital tuberculosis infected in utero, who had been found to have massive ascites and pleural effusion on routine ultrasonography at the 39 weeks' gestation. The emergency C-section delivered a male neonate weighing 2,050 g with poor condition and in severe respiratory distress. He was the first child born of a 27-year-old woman, who was diagnosed as having tuberculous pleurisy after delivery. Detection of acidfast bacilli in gastric aspirates obtained from the newborn as well as the clinical features and maternal history confirmed the diagnosis of congenital tuberculosis. Though rare, congenital tuberculosis requires early detection and treatment because of its severity and high mortality. A brief review of the relevant literature was made.