Primary tuberculous sternal osteomyelitis: a clinical rarity

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2009 Jun;17(3):310-2. doi: 10.1177/0218492309104751.

Abstract

Primary tuberculous sternal osteomyelitis is a rare condition, presenting as painful swelling and discharging sinuses over the chest wall. Diagnosis is based on radiological findings and histological examination of debrided infected tissues, with specific cultures for mycobacteria. Two cases were successfully treated by surgical debridement and reconstruction using pectoralis major muscle flaps, followed by antituberculous therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Debridement
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteomyelitis / microbiology*
  • Osteomyelitis / therapy
  • Sternum / microbiology*
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular / therapy*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents