Tuberculosis presenting as an anterior chest wall swelling: three cases

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases in India with paediatric TB accounting for approximately 6-7% of cases. Skeletal and soft tissue are rare sites for TB. Three cases seen in a western tertiary hospital in India aged between 1 and 11 years presented with a swelling on the anterior chest wall. None had any known TB contact. Imaging demonstrated the presence of collections and underlying bony as well as pulmonary/pleural involvement. All were positive for TB on histopathology. They were commenced on anti-TB therapy and there was significant improvement on follow-up. Hence, tuberculosis with intrathoracic extension must be borne in mind as a close differential diagnosis when evaluating anterior chest wall swelling as it is treatable, especially in endemic areas.