PRIMARY TUBERCULOUS PYOMYOSITIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT INDIVIDUAL: A RARE MANIFESTATION

Dr. Shweta Gupta* and Dr. Shubhra Agarwal

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis is an important cause of morbidity in the Indian society particularly among the low socioeconomic population. It can involve virtually any organ and manifests itself in various forms. Primary tuberculous pyomyositis without coexisting active skeletal or extra-skeletal tuberculosis is a rare manifestation of musculoskeletal tuberculosis especially in an immunocompetent individual. Skeletal muscle tuberculosis is a rare entity in itself because muscle is an unfavourable site for survival and multiplication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It can cause a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians because of its similar presentation to pyogenic abscess, hematomas, parasitic infections like cysticercosis, soft tissue sarcomas, and myopathies. We present a case of a 25-year-old immunocompetent female with a swelling at lateral aspect of right thigh. Diagnosis was established by cytology and acid fast stain. Patient improved after antitubercular therapy. In a tubercular endemic country, a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this disease which can be cured completely.

Keywords: Tuberculous pyomyositis, Rare manifestation, Immunocompetent.