[Sternal tuberculosis: an unusual location of tuberculosis].

INTRODUCTION

Osteo-articular tuberculosis mainly affects the spine. Sternal localization is rare.

CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old man, HIV negative and with a history of tuberculous pleurisy, was seen in a pulmonology consultation for abscesses of the chest wall. The thoracic CT scan revealed multiple antesternal and retrosternal abscesses as well as bone lesions in the sternum, ribs and vertebrae. The diagnosis of sternal tuberculosis was made by microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF test performed on pus from the abscesses. The progress under anti-tuberculous treatment was favourable.

CONCLUSION

Sternal involvement with tuberculosis is uncommon and rarely detected. The problem is mainly diagnostic. Its therapy is based on anti-tuberculous treatment.