Mycobacterium tuberculosis Monoarthritis in a Child
Author Information
Author(s): Rajakumar Derek, Rosenberg Alan M
Primary Institution: University of Saskatchewan
Hypothesis
Isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis can cause monoarthritis in children, even without overt pulmonary disease.
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis as a potential cause of arthritis in high-risk pediatric populations.
Supporting Evidence
- The child presented with knee swelling and stiffness, initially diagnosed as oligoarthritis.
- Despite treatment, the joint swelling recurred, leading to further investigation.
- A positive culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis confirmed the diagnosis after initial negative tests.
Takeaway
A child had a swollen knee that looked like a common type of arthritis, but it turned out to be caused by tuberculosis, which is rare in kids.
Methodology
The case report details the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and treatment of a child with isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis monoarthritis.
Limitations
The diagnosis was complicated by the absence of a tuberculosis contact history and a negative initial tuberculin skin test.
Participant Demographics
A 2-year and 10-month-old North American Indian girl.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website