[Sternal tuberculosis causing spontaneous fracture of the sternum].

Authors :: Chermiti Ben Abdallah F
Boudaya MS
Chtourou A
Taktak S
Mahouachi R
Ayadi A
Ben Kheder A
Source :: Revue de pneumologie clinique [Rev Pneumol Clin] 2013 Apr; Vol. 69 (2), pp. 89-92. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Mar 06.
Publication Year :: 2013
Abstract: Sternal tuberculosis is an uncommon condition. Few cases have been reported. We report the case of a 74-year-old man, presented with a swelling and pain of the anterior chest wall associated to worsening of general state. All routine investigations were normal. Chest radiograph in lateral view showed sternal and chest wall hypertrophy with spontaneous fracture of the sternum. Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated ring-enhancing hypodense soft tissue mass surrounding the sternum with sternal fracture. Tuberculosis diagnosis was confirmed by histological study of the mass biopsy. We noted clinical and radiological recovery with medical tuberculosis treatment.<br /> (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)