Miliary Tuberculosis: Practical Diagnostic Approach in an Endemic Area

Miliary tuberculosis constitutes approximately 1% of all tuberculosis cases. This disease occurs due to distribution of a vast amount of tuberculosis bacilli via the blood stream. All untreated miliary tuberculosis cases die within a year. In treated cases, the mortality rate is around 25%. The main risk factor associated with increased mortality in this disease is delay in the diagnosis and treatment. It is imperative to diagnose as quickly as possible. The procedures used for early diagnosis of tuberculosis in endemic areas are discussed in this review