Primary chest wall tuberculosis mimicking gynecomastia: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare variant of the disease. Involvement of the chest wall is even rarer. This paper aims to report a case of primary chest wall TB mimicking gynecomastia. CASE REPORT: An 11-year-old male presented with gradual left breast enlargement for one year duration, clinically diagnosed as a case of gynecomastia. On examination; there was a firm swelling involving left anterior chest wall elevating the nipple and areolar region. Ultrasound showed thick wall cystic lesion with internal debris and bone erosion. Computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the chest revealed a cystic lesion containing fluid with a similar cystic lesion in the substernal area. Under general anesthesia, through an anterolateral incision, a thick wall cystic lesion with a very thick pus content was found connecting to another similar lesion in the anterior mediastinum with a localized thickening of the pleura. Both of the lesions, and the fifth rib with a part of the fourth rib were resected and sent for histopathological examination which revealed multiple granulomas with caseating material, typical for tuberculosis. DISCUSSION: Pathogenesis of chest wall TB has been explained by one or more of the three mechanisms: due to direct extension from an underlying disease; hematogenous dissemination, and direct extension from neighboring affected lymph node groups in the chest wall. CONCLUSION: Chest wall TB is a rare condition. It can mimic other pathologies due to nonspecific signs and symptoms. Surgical debridement with postoperative chemotherapy is the most effective strategy of management.