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.