Septic shock from Mycobacterium tuberculosis after therapy for Pneumocystis carinii.

Septic shock resulting from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) occurs only rarely, even among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. We report a case of fulminant TB sepsis in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus infection. This case illustrates the hazards of corticosteroid use as a part of empirical treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, as well as the unique appearance of TB on chest x-ray films.