Anabolic Steroids and Tuberculosis Diagnosis
Author Information
Author(s): de Larrea Carlos Fernández, Duplat Aglae, Rivera-Olivero Ismar, de Waard Jacobus H
Primary Institution: Hospital Vargas de Caracas, Venezuela
Hypothesis
Does the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids affect the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis?
Conclusion
The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids can mask the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis by altering key diagnostic parameters.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient initially tested negative for tuberculosis despite symptoms.
- After steroid use, the patient's pleural fluid showed eosinophilia.
- Subsequent tests revealed elevated adenosine deaminase levels and a positive tuberculin skin test.
Takeaway
A man who used steroids had trouble getting diagnosed with tuberculosis because the steroids changed his test results.
Methodology
Case report detailing the patient's symptoms, tests, and diagnosis over time.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in diagnosis due to the influence of anabolic steroids.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
31-year-old white male from Caracas, Venezuela.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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