Tuberculous Cervical Lymphadenitis After Bcg Immunotherapy For Bladder Cancer A Case Report And Review Of The Literature

Since its introduction in 1976, Bacille Calrnette-Guerm (BCG) has become the standard of care in high risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Apart from its efficacy, BCG immunotherapy is also considered to be safe. However, in addition to its common adverse effects, which are mild, it can rarely cause serious adverse effects, which can be life threatening. In this report, the case of an 85-year old male, who developed tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis and abscess after BCG immunotherapy is described. The patient presented with acute renal failure. During his hospitalization he also developed hepatitis because of the anti-tuberculous therapy and eventually passed away, probably by septic emboli originated from his right jugular vein which was infiltrated by his abscess. Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis accompanied with abscess is a quite are complication of BCG immunotherapy, but clinicians should be are of it, as it can be proved fatal.