DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2015.v03i03.013

Pages: 222-224

Tuberculosis of Sternum is a rare presentation in immunocompetent people. We herein report a rare case of sternal involvement with tuberculosis in a 40yr old immunocompetent male who at initial presentation had a pleuroparenchymal tuberculosis but later manifested with tuberculous sternal osteomyelitis associated with a cold abscess. Diagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of epithelioid granulomas and acid-fast bacilli and a positive tubercle bacilli culture from the aspirate taken from the sternal swelling. The patient was successfully managed with abscess drainage and with aggressive anti-tubercular therapy (ATT). As tuberculosis of flat bones like sternum are very rare especially in immunocompetent people, a high index of suspicion is required for timely diagnosis and an appropriate treatment can result in better outcomes.