Database analysis of histopathology of Extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis at Pathology lab of Patan Academy of Health Sciences in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a common condition in the underdeveloped countries like Nepal with approximately more than 100,000 cases in Nepal today. Tuberculosis is the 6^th leading cause of death in Nepal. The objective of this study is to determine the Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) pattern in the specimen received in pathology lab that may help to understand the prevalence and disease identification.

Method: This is a retrospective descriptive study of histopathology database of Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis at pathology lab of Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal from 2012 to 2019. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (v.16), and displayed with descriptive parameters.

Result: There were 30,000 specimens received in the Pathology Department in 7 year period and Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis was seen in 300 (1%) cases. Majority (57%) were from the lymph nodes, 12% skin followed by intestine and urogenital each comprising of 9% each. Male to female ratio was 2:3 (n=116, 39% vs n=184, 61%). Most common age group affected by EPTB was seen between the ages of 20-39 years comprising of 64% followed by 21% of 40-59 years; 96% had Langhans giant cell and 7% tested positive for Acid Fast Bacilli.

Conclusion:  More than half of the cases had tubercular lymphadenitis and the productive age of 20-40 was the common age group affected.

Keywords: AFB, Extra pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB), Granuloma, Lymph node