Tuberculous Osteomyelitis of Mandible in a Young Child– A Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

Aims: To report a case of Tuberculous osteomyelitis of mandible in a young child and highlights the difficulties in establishing diagnosis with clinical and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging findings. Presentation of Case: A case of 8-year old child with osteomyelitis of the mandible who presented with diffuse swelling of the cheek without the evidence of any active primary foci of tuberculosis. On the basis of clinical findings and radiographic analysis, antitubercular therapy (ATT) was started and on a follow-up visit after six months, the patient showed a resolution of the mandibular lesion. Discussion: In the oral cavity osteomyelitis commonly occurs due to an odontogenic source of infection. Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide public health problem, osteomyelitis due to tuberculosis infection is a rare phenomenon and jaw involvement is even rarer and usually affects older individuals. Conclusion: Tubercular osteomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis because early identification and rapid implementation of a successful regimen are crucial in minimizing morbidity and the emergence of tuberculosis.