Use of anabolic-androgenic steroids masking the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis: a case report
2009

Anabolic Steroids and Tuberculosis Diagnosis

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

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)

10.1186/1752-1947-3-30

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