P046  Pointing the finger: an unusual presentation of dactylitis

Conclusion Approximately 10% of all cases of extrapulmonary TB have osteoarticular involvement. Dactylitis is a variant of tuberculous osteomyelitis affecting the long bones of the hands and feet. It occurs mainly in young children; however adults may be affected also. The first manifestation is usually pai nless swelling of the diaphysis of the affected bone followed by trophic changes in the skin. The radiographic changes are known as spina ventosa, because of the ballooned out appearance of the bone, although this was not seen in our case. Fibrous dysplasia, congenital syphilis, sarcoidosis and sick le cell anaemia may induce similar radiographic changes in the metaphysis of long bones of hands and feet, but do not cause soft tissue swelling or periosteal reaction. This case highlights the importance of testing for TB, especially in atypical cases of dactylitis, with other systemic features.Disclosure N. Cernovschi - Feasey: None.J. Wajed: None.
Source: Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research