Atypical Focal Osteomyelitis as Initial Manifestation of AIDS

Abstract

Persistent pain development after a skeletal contusion rarely poses the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. We report the case of a fibular head contusion as an initial manifestation of a focal abscess development in a healthy young patient. The traditional treatment of surgical drainage revealed the presence of an atypical Mycobacterium haemophilum isolates in the abscess. This lead to further investigations that concluded and established the diagnosis of AIDS. Conclusion. Isolation of an atypical Mycobacterium haemophilum in any abscess should lead the physician to accomplish further investigations and look for AIDS even in young healthy subjects.

Mycobacterium haemophilum bone and joint infection in HIV/AIDS: case report and literature review

“…28 Molecular techniques (e.g. 16S rDNA PCR) 29 and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-offlight mass spectrometry may assist in the detection and identification of M. haemophilum. 30,31 No standardised procedure is available for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of M. haemophilum.…”

“…57 Treatment duration varied from six months to 24 months with variable patient responses. 8,11,17,48 Survivors who received long-term follow up (patients 5,16,19,27,29,30,31) had a minimum of 12 months therapy.…”

Tuberculous pseudotumor of fibular head

“…1 Tuberculous osteomyelitis (without involvement of joint) especially of long tubular bone is uncommon, the reported incidence is about 2-3 %. 2 Tuberculous lesions often mimics neoplasm, a small amount of fresh tissue should always be sent for culture, even if a clinical diagnosis of a tumor seems likely. 2 …”

“…2 Tuberculous lesions often mimics neoplasm, a small amount of fresh tissue should always be sent for culture, even if a clinical diagnosis of a tumor seems likely. 2 …”