Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection of a Presumed Charcot Joint

Abstract

A 65-year-old male with peripheral neuropathy and small lymphocytic lymphoma presented with erythema and edema of the left foot. A Charcot midfoot was diagnosed and treated with a total contact cast and restricted weight bearing. However, subsequent analysis of bone and synovial fluid months later revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Infected charcot spine arthropathy

“…The probable source of infection in our cases was hematogenous (cases 1 and 3) and through the fistulous skin track in case 2 [7]. Granulomatous infections have rarely been reported in neuropathic joints [13]. We were unable to find any report of tuberculosis infection in CSA.…”

“…We were unable to find any report of tuberculosis infection in CSA. The duration of antibiotic and the route of administration is a matter of debate and no clear consensus is available for chronic spinal infections [13]. The reports mentioning management of ICS do not mention the details of the antibiotic regimen used ( Table 3).…”