A rare case report of acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis: Review of radiographic findings of pulmonary tuberculosis to enhance diagnosis accuracy.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health concern, with pulmonary involvement accounting for most cases. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a rare but severe complication of pulmonary TB. We report a rare case of pulmonary TB complicated by ARDS and provide a comprehensive review of characteristic chest imaging findings of pulmonary TB. Clinical presentations: A previously healthy 47-year-old man, presented with acute worsening hypoxemia following 2-week fever, night sweat, productive cough, dyspnea, and weight loss. On emergency room admission, he was tachypneic (respiratory rate 30 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation 80% on room air). Sputum acid-fast bacilli smear, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent culture confirmed Conclusions: This case highlights ARDS secondary to pulmonary TB, an uncommon and highly complicated manifestations of pulmonary TB. Recognition of clinical manifestations combined with radiographic findings including patterns and lesion distribution can facilitate a more robust diagnosis and prompt patient isolation.