Renal Tuberculosis in Zambia: Observation on 900 Consecutive Autopsies

Abstract

The findings of a retrospective study of 900 consecutive autopsies in the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka undertaken in order to determine the incidence of renal tuberculosis among indigenous Zambians have been stated. In all a diagnosis of tuberculosis renal or otherwise was made in 70 (7.7%} cases; renal involvement was present in 18 {25.7%}. There was not a single case of classical ulcerocavernous type of renal lesions. It has been suggested that renal tuberculosis in Zambians mainly occurs secondary to extensive miliary Spread in advanced pulmonary tuberculosis: the affected person usually succumbs to the disease prior to the occurrence of any renal symptoms.