Avascular necrosis of humeral head in an elderly patient with tuberculosis: a case report
2008

A Case of Osteonecrosis Due to Tuberculosis

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Agarwal Renu, Gupta Ruchika, Singh Sompal, Gupta Kusum, Kudesia Madhur

Primary Institution: Hindu Rao Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences

Hypothesis

Can tuberculosis cause osteonecrosis in immunocompetent individuals?

Conclusion

Osteonecrosis can rarely occur due to tuberculosis, and fine needle aspiration cytology is effective for early diagnosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had a positive test for acid-fast bacillus.
  • Computed tomography revealed crescentic lucency in the humeral head.
  • The patient showed symptomatic improvement after starting anti-tuberculous therapy.

Takeaway

Sometimes, a disease called tuberculosis can cause a part of the bone to die, which is called osteonecrosis. Doctors can use a special needle to take a sample and find out if tuberculosis is the cause.

Methodology

The patient underwent fine needle aspiration cytology to diagnose the condition.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A 60-year-old Indian man.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-2-361

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