"Can tuberculosis affect blood vessels?"

Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Its Potential Involvement of Blood Vessels

Pulmonary tuberculosis, a chronic respiratory infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can manifest symptoms such as coughing and expectoration. This condition may or may not involve blood vessels, depending on the progression and characteristics of the disease.

Involvement of Blood Vessels

As the tuberculous lesions in the lungs gradually expand, they can increase the pressure within the pleural cavity, leading to rupture and bleeding of blood vessels. In severe cases, if left untreated, significant damage to blood vessels may occur, potentially resulting in massive hemoptysis.

Non-involvement of Blood Vessels

1. Primary Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Occurring after initial infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it presents with low-grade fever, fatigue, night sweats, and respiratory symptoms like coughing with a small amount of mucoid sputum or slight bloodstains. Prognosis is generally good for this type.

2. Infiltrative Pulmonary Tuberculosis: The most common type clinically, characterized by widely distributed lesions with a relatively faint density and clear margins. It often exhibits cavitation, predisposing to dissemination and deterioration. Early detection and proper treatment can lead to cure in most cases.

3. Fibrocavitary Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Arises from the expulsion of caseous necrotic material through the bronchi, forming large air-filled cavities with thickened walls and fibrosis. These lesions are challenging to heal, tending to spread to surrounding tissues, forming satellite-like abscesses that can rupture into uncontrollable massive hemoptysis. Without aggressive treatment, prognosis is poor.

Apart from the above, conditions like tuberculoma and caseous pneumonia can also involve blood vessels.

It is recommended that patients with pulmonary tuberculosis maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritant foods, and cultivate a positive mindset to prevent emotional stress. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, prompt medical attention is essential.