Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Atypical presentation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an infant
D R Gayathri Devi1, Mangala Gowri, S Padmalatha
1M.S Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. gayathri_devi2006@rediffmail.com
Insights
Skeletal muscle tuberculosis is a rare condition often diagnosed late, leading to permanent limb damage. Early detection and treatment with anti-tubercular drugs are crucial for successful outcomes in children.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs, but skeletal muscle involvement is exceptionally rare.
- Delayed diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB, including muscular TB, can result in severe functional impairment and deformities.
Observation:
- A case study of a healthy child presenting with an intramuscular cystic swelling above the elbow.
- Pus aspirated from the swelling contained acid-fast bacilli, consistent with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Findings:
- Microbiological culture confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the aspirated pus.
- The child received a successful course of anti-tubercular therapy.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare presentations of tuberculosis in pediatric cases.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term sequelae of skeletal muscle TB.
- Suggests that early intervention can lead to complete recovery and restoration of limb function.
Abstract:
Tuberculosis of the skeletal muscle is very rare which is often missed in the early stages. This leads to delay in treatment resulting in irreversible limb deformity and loss of function. The authors describe a case of healthy child with an intramuscular cystic swelling above the elbow joint. The pus showing acid fast bacilli morphologically resembling Mycobacterium tuberculosis was also isolated in culture. Following the diagnosis and confirmation, the child was treated successfully with anti tubercular drugs.
Related Concept Videos
Atypical Pneumonia
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
