TUBERCULOUS OSTEOMYELITIS IN THUMB: A RARE CASE

Although tuberculous osteomyelitis is rare in the general population, it should still be considered as a threat to human health. A 52-year-old woman acutely develops a progressively painful swelling on the tip of her right thumb.  On laboratory examination, there is no abnormality except for a slight increase in acute phase inflammatory tests (ESR and CRP). A right-hand x-ray showed an expansile lytic lesion. Microscopic examination revealed tuberculosis granuloma. Anti-tuberculous chemotherapy started for two months with a regimen composed of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol and then followed by a ten month regimen consisting of isoniazid and rifampicin. Bone tuberculosis should always be considered by physicians, as early diagnosis and treatment will prevent additional serious complications of the disease.