[Sepsis syndrome and bone marrow granulomatosis after intravesical instillation of BCG].

BACKGROUND: BCG therapy is an effective treatment for superficial bladder carcinoma. Exceptionally, systemic disorders including hypersensitivity reactions or infections may occur. CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old man developed septicemia with bone marrow granulomatosis with a favorable course after intravesicle administration of bacillus Calmette-Guérin for bladder carcinoma. DISCUSSION: High grade fever, septicemia, hepatitis or pulmonary granulomatosis as well as bone marrow involvement are reported in less than 1% of all cases of BCG therapy. The pathogenic mechanisms are complex. Anti-tuberculous drugs are generally given.