Clinico-radiological Approach to a Rare Case of Early Clavicle Tuberculosis: A Case Discussion Based Review of Differential Diagnosis.

A patient of 41 years of age presented with insidious onset atraumatic swelling arising from medial end of right clavicle with apparently normal radiograph. Initial computed tomography ascribed it to benign bony pathology requiring no specific treatment but patient did not respond to symptomatic management. FNAC done elsewhere was inconclusive, with no bacteria on Gram's staining and negative bacterial culture and AFB smear examinations. Patient had possible exposure to tuberculosis and Mantoux skin test done which showed significant induration. Possible differential diagnoses related to clavicle including infective, neoplastic, rheumatological, degenerative and idiopathic conditions considered. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed focal periosteal reaction with marrow signal changes with sparing of sternoclavicular joint. Correlation between patient's history, clinical findings and investigations done and diagnosis of isolated clavicle tuberculosis was made. Patient showed good response to anti-tubercular chemotherapy. Repeat MRI showed resolution of initial imaging findings. At the end of 2 years patient was completely symptom free.