Abstract

Sternal bone affection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a rare entity. Clinical manifestations can vary widely. There are only a few isolated case reports of tubercular sternal osteomyelitis in both endemic belts and othe rwise. We report tubercular abscess of sternum in appa rently two healthy young individu als with no predispo sing factors, who presented to us with chief complains of chronic anterior chest pain. Diagnosis was confirmed by histo-pathological and microbiological work-up. Co mbined surgical drainage and anti-tubercular drugs gave satisfactory out comes. A high index of suspicion for tuberculosis is necessary whenever unusual sites are e ncountered in order to facilitate early diagnosis and prompt management.