Uncommon Site of Primary Tuberculosis: Sternum

Abstract

Primary tuberculosis (TB) of the sternum is uncommon even in endemic countries. It can present as swelling, discharging sinus, erosion and spontaneous fracture of sternum, and with secondary infection (abscess). A proper history with physical examination, computed tomography, Ziehl-Neelsen staining of aspirate, and histopathology of biopsy are the keys to forming a suitable differential diagnosis. Its treatment consists of standard antituberculous therapy with or without antibiotics as done for other forms of extra-pulmonary TB. We report one case of primary tubercular osteomyelitis of the sternum causing its destruction without any underlying pulmonary lesion. The patient was successfully managed with debridement and with second-line anti-tubercular therapy (ATT). [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2014; 3(4.000): 257-261]

Keywords

• Tuberculosis
• sternum
• erosion of sternum
• anti-tubercular therapy