An experience with a rare diagnosis of isolated tuberculosis of sternum at JNMC Hospital, Aligarh, India

Objective: To diagnose isolated tuberculosis of the sternum in patients presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis. Methods: A prospective study conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) Hospital, Aligarh, India from July 2000 to July 2006 of 2512 patients presenting with a suspected case of tuberculosis. Cases were confirmed using different investigations along with treatment of the patients with antitubercular treatment (ATT), with further follow up for next 2 years. Results: Nineteen patients were suffering from isolated tuberculosis of sternum. The main presenting feature was retrosternal discomfort (100%) while 14 (73.6%) patients presented with a cold abscess of sternum. All the patients were treated successfully with 12 months of ATT and followed up for 2 years for any relapse. Conclusion: Although tuberculosis of sternum is rare, it should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with chronic lesions of the sternum, particularly in endemic/developing countries. Twelve months of treatment with ATT is optimal for achieving cure without any risk of relapse.