Tuberculosis - An Atypical Presentation

Abstract

Although endemic to the United Kingdom in the 19th and 20th centuries, cases of Tuberculosis have increased in the last twenty years making it an important differential diagnosis to consider. The recurrence of this almost extinct disease is thought to be a result of increasing prevalence of immune system deficiency, particularly Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Musculoskeletal tuberculosis, particularly of a joint, remains a rare condition-accounting for less than 5% of cases of tuberculosis. Symptoms are mild and/or non-specific, making delayed or missed diagnosis a common problem. Here we present the unusual case of tuberculosis of the elbow to maintain consideration of tuberculosis as a differential diagnosis, even in cases with no strong suggestive medical history.