Tuberculous pyomyositis in a rheumatoid arthritis patient treated with anakinra

Abstract

Musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) occurs in only 3% of patients with TB while tuberculous pyomyositis is rare. It usually affects immunocompromised or patients with underlying comorbidities. We present a case of tuberculous pyomyositis in a 85-year-old Caucasian patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with steroids and anakinra. The patient presented with fever as well as redness, swelling and induration on the lateral side of the hip and thigh. Under ultrasound guidance fluid collection of the thigh was aspirated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cultures of the fluid were positive for Mycobacterium TB. The patient underwent bronchoscopy. PCR and cultures from the bronchoalveolar lavage were also positive for Mycobacterium TB. The patient was treated with anti TB treatment with amelioration of the inflammation in the hip and thigh. This is the first reported case of tuberculous pyomyositis in a RA patient treated with anakinra.