Abstract
Skeletal tubercular infections that do not involve the spine or large joints are rarely encountered. This case series aims to highlight the importance of imaging in diagnosing skeletal tuberculosis (TB) at uncommon sites in clinically unsuspected patients by demonstrating specific imaging findings. We present the clinical details and imaging findings of seven pathologically confirmed cases of extraspinal skeletal TB. A multimodality imaging approach including radiography, ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) scan was used in most cases. The imaging studies revealed an infective soft tissue collection over different sites including the sternoclavicular joint, acromion process, chest wall and temporo-mandibular joint, along with destruction and erosion of the underlying or adjacent bones. In tubercular endemic countries, strong clinical suspicion should be entertained in cases presenting with a soft tissue collection, even around unusual skeletal sites.
Highlights
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major health problem in developing countries; the occurrence of skeletal TB is relatively uncommon
Proven cases of musculoskeletal TB were retrospectively reviewed over a 6-month period with regard to their clinical presentation, imaging findings and clinical diagnosis at the time of presentation to the radiology department
Imaging studies pertaining to these patients included radiographs, ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) scans
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major health problem in developing countries; the occurrence of skeletal TB is relatively uncommon. The sternum, ribs and the sternoclavicular joints are uncommonly affected.[3,4,5,6] The mandible and temporo-mandibular joint appear to be the least common location affected by TB.[1]
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