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Costal BCG osteomyelitis presenting as a tumor
J E Hoppe1, T Orlikowsky, T Klingebiel
1Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany.
Infection
|March 1, 1992
Summary
A BCG vaccine complication led to a rare chest tumor in an infant. Costal BCG osteomyelitis mimicked cancer, highlighting unusual tuberculosis presentations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Skeletal Tuberculosis
Background:
- Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is standard for neonates to prevent tuberculosis.
- Unusual presentations of BCG complications can pose diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- An 11-month-old infant developed a chest mass after BCG vaccination.
- Imaging suggested a malignant neoplasm, with rib destruction and soft tissue infiltration.
Findings:
- Histopathology revealed tuberculosis, with Mycobacterium bovis (BCG strain) isolated.
- The lesion was diagnosed as costal BCG osteomyelitis, not a primary neoplasm.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering infectious etiologies in suspected pediatric neoplasms.
- BCG osteomyelitis can present atypically, requiring careful diagnostic workup beyond initial imaging.
- Negative bone scans do not exclude BCG osteomyelitis in vaccinated infants.