Isolated Muscular Tuberculosis of the External Compartment of the Leg: A Rare Presentation

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health challenge, with an increasing incidence of extrapulmonary forms. Isolated muscular involvement is extremely rare, even in high-endemic regions. This study highlights an unusual case of muscular TB in a 24-year-old patient with no medical history, presenting with a painless swelling on the outer leg, without fever or other symptoms. Blood tests were normal, whereas imaging and biopsy initially suggested an infected hematoma. The culture of bacteriological samples on specific culture solid media confirmed the presence of Koch's bacillus. The patient was treated with drainage, lavage, and anti-TB therapy, showing significant clinical and radiological improvement after 6 months. TB should be included in the differential diagnosis for any unexplained soft-tissue swelling, particularly in individuals originating from regions where TB is endemic. To our knowledge, no cases of muscular involvement in the lateral compartment of the leg have been reported, making our case unique.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Mycobacteriology
Published
2025-10-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_228_24
Primary Topic
Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Isolated Muscular Tuberculosis of the External Compartment of the Leg: A Rare Presentation

Mondher Mestiri, I. Kooli, Khalil Habboubi, H. Ernandes et al.
International Journal of Mycobacteriology
Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis
article

Isolated Muscular Tuberculosis of the External Compartment of the Leg: A Rare Presentation

Mondher Mestiri, I. Kooli, Khalil Habboubi, H. Ernandes, Mehdi Meddeb, Ahmed Mzid, C. Saadi, Montassar El Ayachi
article en

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health challenge, with an increasing incidence of extrapulmonary forms. Isolated muscular involvement is extremely rare, even in high-endemic regions. This study highlights an unusual case of muscular TB in a 24-year-old patient with no medical history, presenting with a painless swelling on the outer leg, without fever or other symptoms. Blood tests were normal, whereas imaging and biopsy initially suggested an infected hematoma. The culture of bacteriological samples on specific culture solid media confirmed the presence of Koch's bacillus. The patient was treated with drainage, lavage, and anti-TB therapy, showing significant clinical and radiological improvement after 6 months. TB should be included in the differential diagnosis for any unexplained soft-tissue swelling, particularly in individuals originating from regions where TB is endemic. To our knowledge, no cases of muscular involvement in the lateral compartment of the leg have been reported, making our case unique.

International Journal of MycobacteriologyVol. 14(4)
Manouba University (TN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 39%
Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis
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