[Clinical analysis of 20 cases of muscular tuberculosis]

To explore the clinical manifestations of muscular tuberculosis (MT) and analyze its risk factors.

Twenty MT patients were recruited from our department during 2000 - 2010. There were 9 males and 11 females with an average age of 43.5 years old. And their clinical manifestations were recorded and analyzed.

All patients had local masses. And 19 patients had the involvement of single muscle and multiple muscles were involved in 1 patient. Gastrocnemius was affected in 9 patients. Nine patients had a previous history of tuberculosis or suffered concurrent tuberculosis of other body parts. Three patients with immune system disease received glucocorticoid therapy. And 11 patients underwent PPD (purified protein derivative) test and only 1 was strongly positive while 10 others were negative. MT was confirmed by pathological examinations in 20 cases. All patients underwent muscle biopsy and received effective chemotherapy.

As a kind of systemic disease, MT is mainly characterized by painful or painless muscle mass. The patients with a history of tuberculosis, tuberculosis of other body parts and immune system disease are susceptible to MT. Diagnosis is mainly made through biopsy. And chemotherapy is effective.