Rare Coexistence of Endobronchial Tuberculosis and Bronchial Carcinoid Tumor: A Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract

Endobronchial tuberculosis (TB) is a distinct form of pulmonary TB involving the tracheobronchial tree and often leads to airway complications such as stenosis and obstruction. Its coexistence with bronchial neoplasms, particularly carcinoid tumors, is exceedingly rare and poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. We report a case of a 57-year-old female presenting with respiratory symptoms and constitutional features, suggestive of TB. Imaging revealed a right hilar mass with airway compromise, whereas bronchoscopy demonstrated an obstructive endobronchial lesion. Microbiological confirmation of TB was achieved through cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification tests, while elevated serum chromogranin levels raised suspicion of a concurrent carcinoid tumor. The patient was initiated on anti-tubercular therapy with plans for further oncological evaluation. This case underscores the importance of considering dual pathology in atypical presentations and highlights the role of multimodal diagnostic approaches in optimizing outcomes.