Tuberculosis of the endothoracic fascia

Abstract

A 13-year-old boy presented with a history of respiratory infection that had progressed for 3 months. A chest X-ray showed pathological findings that suggested endothoracic fascia compromise (Skarby sign). The thorax computerized axial tomography scan revealed multiple opacities in the fascia. A biopsy was performed, and a pathological lymph node with caseous material was obtained. Thirty days later, Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. hominis was obtained from the culture. The diagnosis of tuberculosis of the endothoracic fascia was confirmed. Treatment included 9 months with isoniacide and rifampin, and 2 months with pirazynamide and streptomycin, with excellent response. Vitamin B6 was added.

Chest pain in patients with COPD: the fascia’s subtle silence

“…The endothoracic fascia derives from the deep cervical fascia and delimits the internal costal area, covering the intercostal muscles and touching the parietal pleura. 53 – 55 It contains lymphatic vessels, particularly in the parasternal and para-vertebral areas. Especially in the latter, the endothoracic fascia comes into contact with spinal nerves and sympathetic ganglia.…”

“…Vessels of the internal mammary artery can be found in the parasternal area of the fascia. 55 , 56 The fibrosis of the different tissues that can be found in patients with COPD (muscles and pulmonary system) could be noticed in the endothoracic fascia as well, for reasons linked to anatomic and functional continuity. The fascia influences the function of the viscera it wraps around and vice versa.…”