Sternal Tuberculosis: About Two Senegalese Cases

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in resource-limited countries where it is endemic. Sternal TB is a rare entity. It accounts for less than 1% of tuberculous osteomyelitis.

We report two cases of sternal TB occurring in two young Senegalese aged 21 and 23, who presented with inflammatory sternal swelling in the context of evening raise of temperature and weight loss. In both cases, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in the pus specimen using the Genexpert® MTB/RIF test (Cepheid, California). In one case, a chest CT scan revealed lysis of the sternal manubrium. The patient's condition improved with anti-tuberculosis treatment and surgery.

These cases, particularly in areas where tuberculosis is endemic, highlight the importance of considering tuberculosis as a possible cause of sternal tumefaction.