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Abstract
Background
The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine, which is used for the prevention of tuberculosis, is considered protective against the severe forms of childhood tuberculosis. However, some serious adverse reactions including osteitis of the long bones can occur.
Case presentation
We report a case of an 18-month-old Sudanese girl who presented at the age of 3 months with swelling of her left forearm following Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination administered at birth. Radiological and histological investigations confirmed tuberculous osteitis of the distal radius. She responded very well to antituberculous treatment with complete healing at follow-up visits. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report of osteitis of the radius following Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination described from Sudan.
Conclusions
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin osteitis, although rare, should be considered a possible complication of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential.