Apex Hospital detects possibly India’s first case of a rare TB-related infection in a 34-year-old Mumbai woman, undergoing successful treatment

Dr. Sheetal Radia

Consultant ENT and Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon in Apex Hospitals Mulund

Mumbai- A 34-year old woman from Bhandup, a suburb in Mumbai, was diagnosed with a rare form of a TB-related infection after complaining of fever, pain and swelling in front of the left ear. The patient was referred to Dr. Sheetal Radia, ENT and Head and Neck cancer surgeon at Mulund’s Apex Hospital. Under Dr. Radia’s care the patient underwent MRI of the brain ,face and orbital region along with CT scan and pus culture tests. Until test reports and proper diagnosis supportive treatments were given in the form of oral antibiotics initially and later IV antibiotics. This preauricular abscess then spread very fast in just 1 day to all over the face and eye leading to facial cellulitis and periorbital abscess. Pus culture of preauricular abscess suggested Acid fast Bacilli (non-tuberculous bacilli) . 

Dr Sheetal Radia successfully conducted a surgery on the pre auricular abscess, wherein drainage of abscess and Debridement was done Pus samples were then sent for laboratory analysis. Importantly, the timely surgery by Dr. Radia provided a great sense of relief to the patient and her family as it protected her left eye from getting damaged. The patient was referred to a physician Dr. Hardik Thakkar started a non-TB regimen, while results were awaited. Later the pus culture of the preauricular abscess suggested Acid Fast Bacilli (non tuberculous bacilli). It confirmed what the doctors suspected it to be, atypical mycobacteria or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), a rare bacterial infection from the TB family. It is possibly the first case of such infection detected in India and one of the few in Asia. The location warranted careful management and the patient responded well to the medication and treatment. On discharge the patient’s vision and eye movements were intact, quite remarkable considering the seriousness of the issue. Over a period of time the peri auricular swelling as well as the wound healed. Taking regular medication for NTM will help the patient recover faster and lead a better quality of life. The uniqueness of the case, its symptoms, causes and line of treatment should be well documented and published for public good. It is a case study worth publishing in reputed medical journals. Apex Hospital, Mulund and Dr. Sheetal Radia in particular demonstrated exceptional understanding of the case. It was handled with great care and sensitivity that allowed the patient to come out of the pain and saved her  vision.

Apex Group of Hospitals is a chain of Hospitals managed and run by expert Medical Professionals with experience of 25 years. Currently Apex group of Hospitals manage more than 350+ beds and provide qualitative healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Apex Hospitals is located in Borivali, Kandivali & Mulund.

www.apexgroupofhospitals.com