Bacillus Calmette-Guérin osteomyelitis: A case report

Abstract

Despite the safety of the bacille de Calmette et Guérin (BCG) vaccine, local and systemic complications can occur. Few cases of osteitis and osteomyelitis have been reported. We report a case of osteitis after BCG vaccination in a 12-month-old girl, born in Tunisia. She was vaccinated with BCG on the left upper arm at birth. She presented with fever and mild functional impairment of the left upper limb. X-ray revealed a fragmented aspect of the left humeral epiphysis with a demineralization of the upper 1/3 of the humerus. Diagnosis was based on histological findings and antituberculosis therapy was initiated. The most recent radiological examination showed the involution of the osteolytic lesion.