Sternal tuberculous osteomyelitis: a series of four cases.

ABSTRACT

Tuberculous osteomyelitis of sternum presenting as an acute swelling over chest is a rare entity accounting for less than 7% cases even in countries with endemic tuberculous disease. We herein report four such cases which were diagnosed by CT scan showing lytic lesion of sternum. Tuberculous osteomyelitis of sternum is rare and therefore differential diagnosis of chest wall mass must be considered. A series of four patients suffering from tuberculosis of the sternum with a mean follow-up of 2 yr is presented. All were treated with antituberculous therapy. All showed good healing.