Osteoarticular tuberculosis mimicking rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global burden despite extensive efforts to control it. TB arthritis commonly manifest as monoarthritis of weight-bearing joints. We report a rare presentation of osteoarticular TB involving multiple small joints of the hands, which mimicked rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Magnetic resonance imaging showed tenosynovitis. The patient was initially treated for seronegative RA but failed to respond. Subsequently, synovial biopsy led to the diagnosis. Antituberculosis treatment was given for 1 year.

Keywords::

• Tuberculosis
• Tuberculosis arthritis
• Osteoarticular tuberculosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Synovial biopsy