Tuberculosis of the shoulder: an unusual presentation

ABSTRACT

There is a recent increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal tuberculosis, especially among the homeless, the immigrant population, the immunocompromised and also due to emerging multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Osteoarticular tuberculosis poses a diagnostic dilemma to the clinician. Advanced disease closely mimics other granulomatous diseases, infections and even malignancy. Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis of tuberculous infection in the extra-axial skeleton leads to progressive joint deformity and destruction. Radiological imaging while not being specific, can map the extent of the disease to arrive at the earliest possible diagnosis. In this report, we present the unusual radiological findings of tuberculous infection of the shoulder