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Sterile abscess: a surprise diagnosis?
C Birkenmaier1, U Reischl, B Stübinger
1Department of Orthopaedics, Ludwig-Maximilan-University Munich, Grosshadern Medical Center, Munich, Germany. christof@doctor-b.de
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 13, 2005
Summary
A rare case of isolated intramuscular tuberculous abscess in the arm was successfully treated with medication. This finding highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in unusual abscess presentations.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) typically affects the lungs but can manifest in extrapulmonary sites.
- Intramuscular abscesses are uncommon presentations of tuberculosis.
Observation:
- A healthy female hairdresser presented with arm pain and swelling, initially treated as a bacterial abscess.
- Recurrence of swelling and fistula formation prompted further investigation.
Findings:
- Diagnostic workup confirmed an isolated intramuscular tuberculous abscess.
- The abscess was successfully treated with a standard antituberculous drug regimen.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need to consider tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of persistent or recurrent soft tissue abscesses.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antituberculous therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in extrapulmonary TB.