[A case of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in young female complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome and developing multiple giant cysts and pneumothorax in both lung].

A 20-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of cough and dyspnea in April 2001. On admission, laboratory data showed positive inflammatory signs. A chest roentogenogram revealed infiltrated shadow in the bilateral lung fields. Sputum smear examination showed acid-fast bacilli identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis by DNA-DNA PCR method. Four days after admission, she had an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and serious liver dysfunction. Moreover, drug sensitivity test revealed that this case was multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and she was treated with sensitive anti-tuberculous drugs (PZA, SM, LVFX). Three months later, her sputa converted to negative for tubercle bacillis, however, a chest computed tomogram (CT) revealed multiple giant cysts in the bilateral lung fields, which developed during treatment. Pneumothorax of both sides was repeatedly observed, and it was difficult to treat. At present (1 year after admission), multiple giant cysts stopped its progression and treatment for tuberculosis is being continued.