Chronic multifocal tubercular osteomyelitis in a young Nepalese boy: A rare case presentation

Abstract

This study presents a rare case of chronic multifocal tubercular osteomyelitis in a 13-year-old boy from Nepal, a high-burden country for tuberculosis (TB). He presented with chronic pain in the lower extremities and had no pre-existing comorbidities. The patient's clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment plan are described. Multifocal skeletal TB, though infrequent, poses diagnostic challenges due to its variable manifestations. This case emphasizes the importance of considering TB in differential diagnoses, especially in endemic regions, necessitating a high index of suspicion. Early detection and treatment align with WHO's “End TB” strategy and Nepal's TB management guidelines, promoting improved outcomes in high-risk populations.

Keywords

• Multifocal osteomyelitis
• Skeletal tuberculosis
• Case report
• Endemic region