Detection of mycobacterial DNA by in vitro enzymatic amplification in lung nodular lesions in a patient with ovarian immature teratoma
Ueno, S.; Fusegawa, H.; Yokoyama, S.; Inoue, H.; Soeda, J.; Miyachi, H.
Nihon Geka Gakkai Zasshi 95(3): 200-203
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-4894 PMID: 8177202 Document Number: 425925
We experienced a 13-year-old girl with ovarian immature teratoma, who presented multiple pulmonary nodular lesions. Thoracotomy was performed to rule out the metastatic tumor. Histopathological study of the resected tumor suggested a possible diagnosis of tuberculosis. However, neither the acid-fast staining nor the mycobacterial culture of the specimens confirmed the diagnosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridization technique successfully detected specific DNA sequence for M. tuberculosis from the specimens. The lesions regressed after anti-mycobacterial therapy. Detecting mycobacterial DNA by PCR, which led to a proper diagnosis and treatment of this patient, is a rapid and sensitive method in diagnosis of tuberculosis. This method is recommended to distinguish tuberculosis from neoplastic lesions of the lung, where surgical intervention is necessary.