Bacille Calmette-Guérin osteomyelitis of the proximal femur

Hong Kong Med J. 2010 Jun;16(3):223-6.

Abstract

All newborns in Hong Kong are given bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccinations. Reported complications include formation of regional and extra-regional localised abscesses, osteomyelitis, and lymphadenitis. Several cases of bacille Calmette-Guérin osteomyelitis have been reported in Europe, but there are few reports of this in Asia. To the author's knowledge, this is the first case report of bacille Calmette-Guérin osteomyelitis in Hong Kong. Bacille Calmette-Guérin osteomyelitis, although rare, should be kept in mind as a potential complication of bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination. Clinical suspicion, early diagnosis using an image-guided tissue biopsy and polymerase chain reaction study, and early commencement of chemotherapy are key to the effective management of this problem.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • BCG Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Femur*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnosis
  • Osteomyelitis / etiology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine