Muscular Tuberculosis: Rare Presentation of a Common Entity

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a global health problem mainly affecting people in developing countries although muscular involvement is rarely seen. Authors hereby, describe a case of tuberculosis of triceps muscle in a 35-year-old immunocompetent female who presented with swelling in right upper arm. Radiological examination ruled out involvement of underlying bones. Excision biopsy was performed and on histopathological examination cyst wall showed presence of foamy macrophages in sheets, inammatory cells and few scattered epithelioid cells but no well-formed granulomas or giant cells were seen. ZN stain for acid fast bacilli was positive. Based on the above ndings a diagnosis of tuberculosis of triceps muscle was made. The patient responded well to antituberculosis therapy and is currently on follow up.