Primary sternal tuberculosis osteomyelitis: A case report and discussion

As immigration to the United States from countries endemic for tuberculosis (TB) increases, the incidence of pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB disease may increase. Primary tuberculous sternal osteomyelitis is one form of extrapulmonary TB that is exceedingly rare throughout the world, and falls under the differential diagnosis for chest wall masses. Management involves standard antituberculous therapy with antibiotics similar to treating other forms of extrapulmonary TB, as well as consideration of surgical intervention depending on the extent of osteomyelitis. A typical case of primary sternal TB osteomyelitis is reported, and the epidemiology, differential diagnosis, clinical manifestations and management are reviewed.