[Differential diagnosis of sternoclavicular arthritis].

A 47-year-old male patient presented with a 6-month history of a painful swelling in the region of the right sternoclavicular joint together with fatigue. Initial investigations including X-rays of the sternoclavicular joint did not reveal any pathological conditions. Eventually, a CT scan revealed marked joint destruction, pulmonary condensation, and enlargement of the adrenal glands. Subsequent procedures, such as joint fluid aspiration and bronchoalveolar lavage, proved to be positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. After initiation of a standard combination therapy (four tuberculostatic drugs) the general condition of the patient stabilized and he was discharged from hospital after 4 weeks.