Tuberculous Tenosynovitis With “Rice Bodies” in the Forearm and Wrist

Abstract

Rice body formation is a rare disorder which may be seen in various systemic disorders including tuberculosis (TB). Musculoskeletal TB compromises 1-3% of TB patients and only 2% of them is seen on the wrist which can include either tenosynovium (most commonly), carpal synovium or bone. In this report, we describe rice body formation due to tuberculous infection in a 28-year-old patient presented with an enlarging mass on right forearm with the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Tenosynovectomy and removal of all rice bodies were performed. Patient diagnosed as extrapulmonary TB. Although general frequency of TB declines around world, it should be kept in the mind in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with an enlarging mass in the forearm. Moreover, if there is neurological deficits prompt surgical approach must be performed for the definite diagnosis and treatment. Clin Infect Immun. 2018;3(2):65-67 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cii50w