Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health burden, particularly in developing countries like India. While the most common presentation is pulmonary TB, extrapulmonary TB involving other body systems can also occur, posing diagnostic challenges. We present the case of a 24-year-old immunocompetent man from India who exhibited an uncommon and complex presentation of disseminated extrapulmonary TB. The patient had an asymptomatic brain cavitated lesion, likely tuberculoma, cervical lymphadenopathy, a small subcutaneous collection in the neck, a destructive lytic lesion in the sacrum, and a subcutaneous collection in the left gluteal/paraspinal region, all in the absence of pulmonary involvement. This combination of manifestations has not been previously reported. The presence of cervical lymphadenopathy and a slowly growing subcutaneous abscess were important clues that guided the diagnostic workup. Maintaining a high index of suspicion for TB, even in atypical presentations and immunocompetent individuals, is crucial, particularly in high-TB-burden regions. This case highlights the importance of considering disseminated extrapulmonary TB in the differential diagnosis, even in the absence of pulmonary involvement and typical risk factors. A high index of suspicion, a multidisciplinary approach, and a comprehensive diagnostic workup are essential for the timely recognition and management of these challenging conditions.

BACKGROUND: Genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) is a common form of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) in children. An example of GUTB is epididymal TB, which usually presents unspecific chronic clinical manifestations. Definitive diagnosis can be conducted based on bacteriologic confirmation and histopathologic results, but this is challenging due to the paucibacillary nature of EPTB. Therefore, we reported the challenges in diagnosing isolated epididymal TB in an adolescent male.
METHODS: A 16-year-old male presented to respirology clinic with painful swelling of the left scrotum for 3 months before visiting to the hospital. The symptoms were associated with persistent coughing for 2 months, and physical examination of the left scrotum showed swelling accompanied by cardinal signs. A palpable hard mass was found on the left scrotum, with firm borders, measuring 7 × 4 cm. Laboratory examination and tumor markers were within normal limits, although leukocyturia was found, and the urine culture was negative. Genital ultrasound (US) showed epididymitis sinistra with septal hydrocele, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated inhomogeneous left epididymitis with bilateral inguinal lymph node enlargement. Although TB evaluation presented a negative purified protein derivative (PPD) test and bacteriologic examination, chest X-ray (CXR) showed perihilar lymphadenopathy. Based on the clinical and radiologic results suggesting TB, the patient was diagnosed with isolated epididymal TB and received quadruple antituberculosis therapy (ATT) for 6 months. After treatment, the left testicle size started to shrink and was equal to the right testicle, also, there were no signs of inflammation, the body weight increased by 5 kg, and cough disappeared. Sperm analysis at the end of treatment indicated teratozoospermia, which was subsequently treated by the urologic surgery department.
CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy and bacteriologic confirmation for TB epididymitis were challenging to perform in the clinical setting. Epididymal TB should be considered in adolescent males with complaints of chronic scrotal swelling and pain. Clinical judgment based on history taking, physical examination, and radiologic features supporting TB features could be helpful in accurate and fast diagnosis for favorable outcome.

Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death worldwide, especially in developing countries. It can affect any site in the body and have a myriad of presentations making diagnosis challenging. Tuberculous lymphadenitis in the abdomen is rare. We present a case of a 42-year-old man who presented with non-specific abdominal symptoms and was found to have an intraabdominal abscess on computed tomography scan of the abdomen. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed, and tuberculosis was confirmed. This case highlights the importance of having a high clinical suspicion of tuberculosis even with vague symptoms in tuberculosis endemic countries. This would prevent unnecessary surgery as tuberculosis is responsive to anti-tuberculosis drugs.

UNASSIGNED: It is important to consider foot and ankle tuberculosis (TB) as a potential cause of cystic lesion around the ankle, especially in patients with a history of TB. Early diagnosis and treatment with a rifampin-based regimen for a duration of 12 months can lead to good functional and clinical outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: Skeletal TB is an uncommon accounting for 10% of extra-pulmonary TB may present slowly over an extended period of time, making a diagnosis difficult and time-consuming (Microbiology Spectr. 2017;5:5). For the best possible outcome and to reduce the risk of deformity diagnosis must be early (Foot (Edinb). 2018;37:105). For the treatment of drug-susceptible musculoskeletal illness, a rifampin-based regimen lasting 12 months is advised (Clin Infect Dis. 2016;63:e147; J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1993;75:240; Tubercle. 1986;67:243). A 33-year-old female who are working as nurse with diffuse, persistent and low in intensity ankle pain not aggravated relieved by analgesia and swelling over a period of 2 months, static not related to activity. With past medical history of partially treated pulmonary TB 1 year ago. She reported night sweats and low-grade fever during this period, and she denied any history of trauma. The right ankle was globally swollen and tender anteriorly and on the lateral malleolus. The skin over the ankle showed dark discoloration with cautery marks with no discharging sinuses. The range of motion of the right ankle was decreased. The plain x-ray of the right ankle showed three cystic lesion at the distal tibia, one cyst at the lateral malleolus and another one at the calcaneum. Surgical biopsy and expert gene test confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculous osteomyelitis. The patient was planned for surgical curettage of the lesion. After the confirmation of the diagnosis of TB with the biopsy and gene expert test, with consultation of senior chest physician the patient fitted to anti-tuberculous regimen. The patient had good functional and clinical outcome. This case report highlights the importance of considering skeletal TB as a potential cause of musculoskeletal symptoms, especially in patients with a history of TB. Early diagnosis and treatment with a rifampin-based regimen for a duration of 12 months can lead to good functional and clinical outcomes. Further research on the management and prevention of musculoskeletal TB is warranted to improve patient outcomes. The lesson behind this case is that the diagnosis TB osteomyelitis should be on the top of differential diagnosis of multiple cystic lesions around the foot and ankle especially in area where TB is endemic. Early diagnosis and early start of anti-tuberculous therapy can lead to full cure of the patient and in bad situation can minimize the complications.

BACKGROUND: Spondylitis TB on cervical region is a rare disease, that may lead to severe neurological complications. The anterior approach is considered as a gold standard for cervical spine tuberculosis. Available studies and literature have not precisely mentioned on how many levels are acceptable for this disease and still up for discussion.
METHODS: A 45-year-old Asian male was brought from a rural hospital to our outpatient clinic with progressive weakness of all extremities for 3 months. Cervical x-ray and MRI showed three-levels of vertebral body destruction, suggesting a cervical spondylitis TB. Patient had debridement, corpectomy on C4, 5, 6, fusion with cage, and anterior plating from C3 to Th1 in a one-stage anterior approach. Immediately after the surgery, the patient had no complaints of pain, and he was able to walk on his own. One year follow-up after the surgery, no residual neurological impairment is detected and had no limitation in daily activities. Cervical x-ray and MRI showed good ossification and improvement of lordotic curvature.
CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of cervical spondylitis TB which involved three-levels of vertebrae using one-stage anterior approach provides a good rate of deformity correction along with clinical improvement and long-term well-being of the patient.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. Although TB can affect many organs, involvement of the head and neck is extremely rare and involvement of the salivary glands is even rarer. Clinical diagnosis is challenging and may be misdiagnosed, as it mimics neoplasms on physical exams and imaging. In this paper, we present a case of parotid tuberculosis in a 28-year-old man who presented with a painful left parotid mass, loss of appetite, fever, and weight loss for six months. Suspicion of infection arose, and treatment began with intravenous antibiotics, followed by oral antibiotics, with no improvement. A biopsy of the patient\'s left parotid gland was performed, and a diagnosis of parotid TB with jaw osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was made. The patient was started on isoniazid for one week, followed by isoniazid, ethambutol, and rifampicin for six months. Follow-up after six months showed full resolution of the swelling.