Aghoutane E M, Fezzazi R
Service de chirurgie pédiatrique A, hôpital Arrazi, BP 3939, avenue Ibn Sina Ammerchich, Marrakech, Morocco.
Rev Pneumol Clin. 2011 Oct;67(5):322-4. doi: 10.1016/j.pneumo.2010.09.002. Epub 2011 Jan 17.
Tuberculosis of the sternum is rare in children, and is often difficult to diagnose, however its prognosis remains good following treatment. Here we have the case of a young 14-year-old girl, who over the past 1 month has had swelling of the sternum combined with a fever of 38.5°C. Computed tomography revealed sternal lysis and swelling of the soft tissue. The histopathological examination of the bone harvesting confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculous osteitis. Anti-bacillary treatment permitted favorable progression. Tuberculous osteitis of the sternum is a rare condition. Contamination can occur through contiguity or reactivation of a latent focus. Confirmation is established by histopathological and/or bacteriological sampling. Treatment is essentially medical.
