Tuberculosis of the hand in pregnant women: A rare extrapulmonary manifestation

Abstract

Background: A total of 8.6 million new cases of tuberculosis were reported in 2013, according to the WHO, with the incidence of tuberculosis in pregnant women is estimated at 60 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in endemic countries. Skeletal muscle involvement represents 10% to 20% of cases, with hand and foot in 1% to 2% of cases.
Materials and methods: A 42-year-old female patient in her 23rdweek of pregnancy who consulted due to pain, oedema, and erythema after 5 months of the onset of symptoms in the right hand. She was initially diagnosed with a carpal tunnel syndrome. After 15 days, she returned to the clinic with persistence of the symptoms. Antibiotic management was started with the diagnosis of cellulitis. Seven weeks later she had a 3 × 4 cm abscess, with elevated acute phase reactants. Surgical drainage was performed, obtaining 8 ml of pus, and antibiotic management was re-started. A magnetic resonance scan was performed, and a smear was taken for microscopy of the secretion, with a hand tuberculosis abscess being confirmed. Positive culture reports for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were also conclusive in diagnosis.
Results: After surgery and tetra-conjugate antibiotic management, the symptoms improved. After 6 months, an arthrodesis of the wrist was performed as a consequence of the articular alterations in the carpal bones.
Discussion: The involvement of the musculoskeletal system due to tuberculosis is uncommon. Clinical findings may be confusing, and a diagnostic bias could easily occur. Due to its low incidence, it is usually unnoticed and the diagnosis is often delayed. Nevertheless, the prognosis and sequelae depend on the early onset of treatment, and it should be suspected in patients with risk factors such as immunosuppression and pregnancy in endemic populations.
Evidence level. IV.