Delayed diagnosis of chronic postoperative sternal infection: a rare case of sternal tuberculosis

Sternal osteomyelitis secondary to mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is rare, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis . High index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis of sternal tuberculosis, confirmed through timely microbiological investigations. MRI may identify soft-tissue and bone oedema characteristic of TB osteomyelitis. This patient had no TB risk factors. The source of infection is unclear and warrants further investigation. Sternal TB osteomyelitis is uncommon and largely reported through case reports, thus management and indications for surgery remain undefined. If sensitive, standard TB four-drug regimen may be trialled.