Osteitis of the radius following Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination at birth: a case report

BACKGROUND: The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine, which is used for the prevention of tuberculosis, is considered protective against the severe forms of childhood tuberculosis. However, some serious adverse reactions including osteitis of the long bones can occur. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of an 18-month-old Sudanese girl who presented at the age of 3 months with swelling of her left forearm following Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination administered at birth. Radiological and histological investigations confirmed tuberculous osteitis of the distal radius. She responded very well to antituberculous treatment with complete healing at follow-up visits. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report of osteitis of the radius following Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination described from Sudan. CONCLUSIONS: Bacillus Calmette–Guérin osteitis, although rare, should be considered a possible complication of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential.