Pediatric Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Miliary Tuberculosis: An Unusual Case Report

Introduction

Miliary pattern on the chest radiograph have a wide differential diagnosis which includes tuberculosis (TB), histoplasmosis, sarcoidosis, pneumoconiosis, primary lung cancer or hematogenous metastases to the lungs from primary cancers of thyroid, kidney, or trophoblast, as well as sarcomas. (Furqan M., & Butler, J. (2010); Mayo Clinic proceedings 85(2): 108). In areas where tuberculosis is endemic, miliary pattern on the chest radiograph is often the first clue suggestive of miliary tuberculosis and is evident in a majority of patients. (Khan, Dawlat et al.; Case Rep Oncol 2020 Feb 13; 13(1): 139–144). Although pulmonary adenocarcinoma is extremely rare in the pediatric population, it is a potential differential diagnosis that should be kept in mind in the presence of miliary pattern on chest imaging. (Gagnon, Marie-Helene et al.; Pediatr Radiol 2021 Jan; 51(1): 131–139). In this report, a rare case of pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a pediatric patient mimicking miliary tuberculosis is described.

Publication History

Article published online:
02 June 2025