Re-evaluation of bone marrow aspiration in the diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis.

We studied eight patients with miliary tuberculosis (TB). In all instances, tuberculomatous lesions were demonstrated in the aspirated bone marrow. We conclude that the bone marrow aspiration has great value in diagnosing miliary TB because it provides sufficient material to permit examination of serial sections as needed to confirm the diagnosis. The bone marrow aspiration also is safer than the alternative procedures of lung or liver biopsies.