Can stenting cause weak immune system to contract TB?
Patient: I am a psychology trainee and was required to complete a PPD skin test to start working at my neuropsychology practicum site. I tested positive and I am worried that I will not be able to work at my practicum site.  I have had an active respiratory infection, but the symptoms do not seem to be typical of TB from what I have read: (a) runny nose; (b) sneezing; (c) fatigue; (d) headache and other cold like symptoms.  I recently had a stent at the hospital for occipital neuralgia and received 1,000 mg of IV steroids and I am worried that my immune system is compromised.  I also have a spinal cord injury and CRPS II, so my body is taxed by pain and pharmacotherapies.  Should I be worried? Doctor: Hello thanks for posting here. Stenting itself wont cause immune deficit, but high dose steroids can decrease immunity and you may contract infections. PPD test is positive so there is a suspicion of TB and not a confirmatory diagnosis. It can come false positive also in many cases. So you have to get evaluated. If you have no symptoms like cough, fever, weight loss the probability of TB is less likely. Since you have got symptoms of actice respiratory infection, you must get yourselves checked up. Anyway please do a chest x ray and give your sputum (if you are producing any) for testing. Wishing you good healthRegards.