INTRODUCTION:
Hyponatremia is defined as the depletion of sodium levels in the blood
below 135 mEq/L. Sodium is essential for proper nerve and muscle
function and therefore hyponatremia can cause weakness, nausea,
headache, confusion, and in severe cases seizures and coma. Common
causes include diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, congestive heart failure,
renal, and liver disease [1]. One of the uncommon causes of
hyponatremia is pulmonary tuberculosis which is caused by the bacteriaM. Tuberculosis that commonly affects the respiratory system but
is also known to cause systemic complications.
Tuberculosis can cause hyponatremia by a variety of mechanisms,
including local invasion of the adrenal glands (adrenal insufficiency),
local invasion of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, Tubercular
meningitis, and incorrect ADH secretion via pulmonary infection [2].
Timely diagnosis and early management of hyponatremia in individuals
with pulmonary TB is essential to prevent complications and improve
patient outcomes. We present an unusual case of a 74-year-old man who
presented in the emergency department with decreased consciousness and
weakness of the bilateral lower limb with retention of urine.