TB Research

Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccine–Induced Tuberculous Elbow Osteomyelitis in an Infant

Shigeki Ishibashi, Akira Kodama, Natsuki Maruyama, Teruyasu Tanaka, Yuta Hayashi, Rikuo Shinomiya, Satoshi Okada, Nobuo Adachi

JBJS Case Connector · 2023-07

Abstract

CASE: We report a case of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine-induced osteomyelitis of the distal end of the right humerus in a 1-year and 8-month-old girl. The patient was treated with debridement and a 12-month antituberculosis drug. After 3 years of follow-up, no growth disturbances or sequelae were observed. CONCLUSION: BCG osteomyelitis is difficult to diagnose because of its rarity. It is important to suspect BCG osteomyelitis based on symptoms and blood tests and to perform PCR testing. Long-term follow-up after treatment is necessary to monitor for recurrence and avoid growth disturbances until epiphyseal line closure occurs.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Dermatology
  • Virology