Musculoskeletal tuberculosis with multifocal muscle abscesses in a healthy young adult

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2022 Oct 11;93(3). doi: 10.4081/monaldi.2022.2311.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal tuberculosis represents 1% of total tuberculosis cases. It affects young adults from endemic countries or immunocompromised patients, and may lead to severe functional impairment. We report a case of a 27-year-old male from an endemic country presenting with a 4-month history of fever, a major pectoralis abscess, and low back pain. A lumbar spine MRI revealed osteolytic lesions in multiple vertebral bodies along with a large iliopsoas abscess. Both abscesses were drained and the diagnosis was established by positive polymerase chain reaction assay for tuberculosis. The patient was initiated on anti-tuberculous treatment for 9 months. Musculoskeletal tuberculosis is rarely found in Western countries. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications which may require surgical intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess* / diagnostic imaging
  • Abscess* / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Muscles
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Tuberculosis*
  • Young Adult