Primary Tuberculous Pyomyositis of forearm muscles.

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis involving the soft tissue from adjacent bone or joint is well recognized. However, primary tuberculous pyomyositis is rare. Their atypical presentations in unusual sites lead to delay in diagnosis. We report three cases of primary tubercular pyomyositis of the forearm muscles in immuno-competent patients. The presentation was subacute with a swelling and vague pain over forearm. Their diagnostic dilemma and response to chemotherapy has been discussed in the present literature. A high grade of suspicion is required to diagnose tubercular myositis, particularly in patients presenting with unexplained soft tissue swelling in an endemic area. However if an early diagnosis and treatment is instituted, morbidity is decreased significantly.