Renal tuberculosis with genitourinary sequelae: a case report

Abstract

Urogenital tuberculosis (UGT) constitutes a significant extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis, often presenting non-specific symptoms and a prolonged indolent course that leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which can result in severe and irreversible complications such as urinary strictures, renal failure, and infertility. This report describes a case of a 38-year-old man with a five-month history of low back pain, hematuria, dysuria, and altered urinary frequency. Initial treatment for a presumed urinary tract infection failed, and subsequent diagnostic investigations showed stones, nodules, and cysts in his left kidney. A positive tuberculin skin test confirmed the diagnosis of UGT and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in urine samples. The patient underwent standard six-month antituberculosis therapy and subsequent retreatment due to persistent symptoms. Despite significant symptom amelioration, irreversible urological sequelae, including infundibular stenosis, polyuria, and nocturia, remained. This case underscores the importance of early suspicion, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment of UGT to minimize long-term complications. It also highlights the potential need for extended treatment length in complex cases to improve outcomes and reduce sequelae, warranting further research in this area.