Tuberculous suprasternal notch abscess in a child. (19th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vijay, Vipul; Vaishya, Raju
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2016
• Publication Date: 2016-04-19
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-214269
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Tuberculosis has been declared a 'Global Emergency' by the WHO. Owing to the magnitude of the problem, knowledge of unusual presentations at rare sites can help identify the disease early and achieve good to fair results. We present one such rare case of a child with an anterior midline swelling. An anterior midline swelling in a child raises multiple diagnostic possibilities. Although cervical lymphadenitis is a common cause of neck swelling, tuberculous suprasternal notch abscess, secondary to lymphadenitis, has rarely been described. Radiological investigations revealed necrotic tissue in the base of the suprasternal notch. The diagnosis was made using needle aspiration and cytology, which was suggestive of tuberculous lymphadenitis for the neck swelling. Antituberculous therapy gave good results, with complete healing of the ulcer and resolution of the abscess.