Indonesian Journal of Rheumatology
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2023): Indonesian Journal of Rheumatology

Tuberculosis Arthritis: A Diagnostic Challenges

Desak Putu Gayatri Saraswati Seputra (Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia)
Pande Ketut Kurniari (Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Jul 2023

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis infection still poses a significant health problem, especially in developing countries. While most of tuberculosis cases affect the pulmonary organ, this infection may also involve other organs such as bones and joints. Case presentation: We reported a case of 23-year-old female patient with a history of recurrent pain and swelling in the right knee. On physical examination of the right knee, bulging sign was found, accompanied by tenderness, warmth on palpation, and limited active and passive movement. Radiographic examination was suggestive for septic arthritis in the right knee. Debridement and biopsy were performed, and TB PCR examination of the debridement tissue was found to be positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The histopathological finding was also consistent with tuberculosis infection. The patient was subsequently treated with antituberculosis drugs and underwent rehabilitation therapy, resulting in a satisfying response. Conclusion: Diagnosis of tuberculosis arthritis in this case was established based on the presence of clinical symptoms, radiological findings, tissue TB PCR, and histopathological findings. Both surgical and pharmacological interventions were performed, which yielded favorable results. Tuberculosis arthritis was often misdiagnosed as arthritis for other causes, resulting in delays in providing medical intervention. Therefore, increased understanding of tuberculosis arthritis is necessary to facilitate early diagnosis and improve therapeutic outcome.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijr

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Indonesian Journal of Rheumatology is a peer-reviewed open access journal on rheumatic diseases and connective tissue disorders. This is an official journal of Indonesian Rheumatology Associantion (IRA) and published twice a year since 2009. Our mission is to encourage the development of scientific ...