Abstract
BackgroundTuberculosis continues to be a worldwide public health problem. Despite the noted gradual decline in tuberculosis case rates in the UK, clinicians should still be aware of these unusual presentations. Sternal tuberculosis is an uncommon form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and it can initially be a diagnostic challenge for paediatricians. These lesions can present with nonspecific signs and symptoms that may mimic malignancy.Case presentationWe present a case of a 3-year-old African descent girl with a sternal swelling that was confirmed to be Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA on gastric aspirate. The child had additional radiological investigations that corresponded accordingly. She was started on quadruple antituberculosis therapy with good outcome.ConclusionTuberculosis sternal abscess is as rare finding, especially in developed countries where tuberculosis is not endemic. Tuberculosis may not always present with pulmonary symptoms in children. There should be a high suspicion of tuberculosis, especially in immigrant population presenting with unusual presentations. Our aim is to increase awareness around atypical presentations of tuberculosis in children. Although, tuberculosis is endemic to underdeveloped countries, clinicians should still be aware of presentations in view of current global migration.
Highlights
Tuberculosis continues to be a worldwide public health problem
Tuberculosis sternal abscess is as rare finding, especially in developed countries where tuberculosis is not endemic
There should be a high suspicion of tuberculosis, especially in immigrant population presenting with unusual presentations
Summary
Tuberculosis continues to be a worldwide public health problem. Despite the noted gradual decline in tuberculosis case rates in the UK, clinicians should still be aware of these unusual presentations. The child had additional radiological investigations that corresponded She was started on quadruple antituberculosis therapy with good outcome. A recent report from Public Health England showed that 4655 people in 2018 were diagnosed with tuberculosis at a rate of 8.3 per 100,000 population. This happens to be the lowest yet recorded in the UK and a drop of approximately 44% since 2011 (8280 people). People born outside the UK accounted for 72% of tuberculosis notifications in 2018 and were 14 times higher than among those born in the UK [1] This case illustrates the unusual presentation of a child with a sternal swelling to an acute NHS hospital in West London. The child was started on quadruple antituberculosis therapy with good response
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
