Short Communication
MR findings of tuberculous dactylitis: case report

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Abstract

A case of tuberculous dactylitis in an immunocompetent patient is presented and the radiographic findings and differential diagnosis discussed. MR image, although nonspecific, was helpful for differential diagnosis and evaluating the extent of the lesion. Although this is a rare condition, the diagnosis should be considered when dealing with an unusual destructive bony lesion.

Introduction

The skeletal system is the most frequent site of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Nevertheless, tuberculosis involving the bones of the hand is uncommon, and tuberculous dactylitis is rare. We report a case of tuberculous dactylitis in an 18-year-old immunocompetent patient. To our knowledge, this is the first published report describing the MR findings of this rare entity.

Section snippets

Case report

A previously healthy 18-year-old male presented with painful swelling and a discharge of pus in the right index finger. Three weeks before, his finger had struck a desk. Physical examination revealed concentric swelling of the affected finger, which was slightly tender on palpation. Yellowish pus was draining through a skin defect in the ulnar side of the finger. Radiographs of the thorax were unremarkable. A radiograph of the hand showed soft tissue swelling and an osteolytic lesion, which was

Discussion

Tuberculosis of the skeleton constitutes 10–15% of all extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Spinal involvement accounts for half of the cases, while digital involvement account for only 4% [1]. Tuberculous dactylitis is especially frequent in children, although it has also been well-described in adults. Differences between the radiographic appearances of tuberculous dactylitis in children and adults have been observed [2]. In tuberculous dactylitis of infants and children, the neighboring joint may be

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