Multifocal tuberculosis presenting with osteoarticular and breast involvement

Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2003 Mar 19:2:6. doi: 10.1186/1476-0711-2-6.

Abstract

Background: Polyarticular involvement, wrist and ankle arthritis are uncommon presentation of skeletal tuberculosis. Tuberculosis of the breast is also extremely rare.

Case presentation: Wrist, ankle and breast involvement were detected in the same patient. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from both synovial and breast biopsy specimen cultures.

Conclusions: In general, tuberculosis arthritis is a frequently missed diagnosis, especially in different clinical patterns. A high level of suspicion is required particularly in high-risk populations and endemic areas.