Cervical tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon disease and accounts for 5-24% of female genital tract
TB. Since it is not suspected clinically, the diagnosis of tuberculous cervicitis is often a histological
surprise, even in endemic areas. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are susceptible to TB
infection. The risk is 32 times higher than that in the general population. CA125, a tumor marker for
ovarian cancer, may show elevation in both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB. Elevation of CA125
is not related to renal insufficiency. It is necessary to rule out TB infection in patients with CKD,
unexplained ascites, pleural effusion, and elevated CA125. We described a dyspneic patient with CKD,
pleural and pericardial effusion, in whom elevated CA125 was noted after initial survey. The patient was
later diagnosed with cervical TB after cervical biopsy. Hence, it is important to pay more attention to
elevated serum CA125 as it might be a biomarker in the evaluation of TB infection. (Acta Nephrologica
2011; 25: 81-85)
