KEY WORDS Hand - joint - synovial - tuberculosis
INTRODUCTION
Tuberculosis is the most prevalent infectious disease in the world. It is mainly caused
by Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Latent infection occurs in about 2 billion people. Approximately 8 million people/year
develop the active form.[1 ]
[2 ] Tuberculosis in the hand is manifested as osteomyelitis in small bones (carpal bones),
metacarpals and phalanges.[1 ]
EPIDEMIOLOGY
The Southeast Asia accounts for 40% of cases worldwide.[3 ] In the US, 10% of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EP-TBC) cases occur in HIV-infected
patients, and in Africa, one-third of adults with osteoarticular TBC (O-TBC) are HIV-positive.[4 ] In children, 20% of all mycobacterial infections are EP-TBC.[4 ]
[5 ] The most common EP-TBC sites are lymph nodes, genitourinary tract, bone marrow,
central nervous system (CNS) and musculoskeletal system, which include bones, joint,
bursas and tendons or tenosynovium.[6 ]
O-TBC represents 1%–3% of all cases and 5%–10% of EP-TBC, followed by pleural and
lymphatic tuberculosis. It is usually monoarticular and located in joints that support
body weight, such as the vertebrae, knee and hip;[1 ]
[2 ]
[3 ]
[7 ]
[8 ]
[9 ]
[10 ]
[11 ]
[12 ]
[13 ]
[14 ]
[15 ]
[16 ]
[17 ] some locations such as the scapula are rare.[3 ] In developed countries, O-TBC usually affects people over 55 years of age; while
in immigrants, it is more common in individuals of 20–35-years old. Concomitant pulmonary
involvement is diagnosed in up to 29%.[4 ] Tenosynovitis is the most common form of the disease in the hand.[18 ]
[19 ]
[20 ] It is important to note that individuals with advanced HIV infection are more likely
to have EP-TBC such as musculoskeletal manifestations.[21 ]
Risk factors are the local conditions of joints and bones (trauma), immunosuppressed
patients (HIV), immunosuppressive drug users (corticosteroids), patients with rheumatoid
arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), smoking, alcoholism and patients
with joint prostheses.[1 ]
[2 ]
[3 ]
[7 ]
[8 ]
[9 ]
[10 ]
[11 ]
[12 ]
[13 ]
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Primary tuberculosis infection occurs by inhalation where the main target is the lung.[1 ]
[2 ]
[22 ] Transmission of M. tuberculosis occurs only by air into a ventilated lung area. Musculoskeletal tuberculosis occurs,
in most cases, through haematogenous dissemination from the primary focus. In immunosuppression
circumstances, it is reactivated. Lymphatics are other pathways to spread it.[5 ]
Innate and acquired immunity are important for disease spread. Macrophages phagocyte
pathogens, release cytokines and cause inflammation. Bacteria that survive phagocytosis
grow into the cells, destroy them and spread through the blood to distant organs.[1 ]
[2 ]
[7 ] The pathogens are transported by macrophages to the lymph nodes, and here, they
activate acquired immunity mediated by CD4+ lymphocytes. The result of this inflammatory
process is a granuloma. The microorganisms remain in epithelial cells surrounded by
lymphocyte rings forming a structure called a tuberculoma, with necrosis in the central
region, forming an abscess. Afterwards, the microorganisms are remained inactive in
different regions of the body for life. Instability within the immune system affects
the disease control and secondary tuberculosis can develop, which can lead to the
reactivation of primary tuberculosis.[1 ]
[2 ]
[22 ]
Apparently, M. tuberculosis is able to persist in adipose tissue, suggesting that this may be a source of EP-TBC.[23 ]
Joint infection is derived from adjacent osteomyelitis or by contact of synovial fluid
with blood, where the cartilage undergoes necrosis. Vascularised bones such as the
vertebrae are targets of microorganisms.[1 ]
[2 ]
[3 ]
[7 ]
[8 ]
[9 ]
[10 ]
[13 ]
Infrequently, the bacillus (Koch's bacillus) is spread to the spine along the paravertebral
venous plexus of Batson or by lymphatic drainage to paraaortic lymph nodes.[4 ]
HAND TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis in the hand is manifested as osteomyelitis in small bones (carpal bones),
metacarpals and phalanges[1 ] or as dactylitis.[12 ] There is phlogosis in the bone, and constitutional symptoms can occur, such as fever,
night sweats, weight loss and anorexia.[1 ]
[22 ]
Tenosynovitis is the most common form. It presents gradually and for unknown reasons,
the flexor side is more affected than the extensor, as well as the ulnar side compared
to the radial one. Tenosynovitis is also more frequent in the arms when compared to
the lower limbs, and it often is found of the dominant arm.[24 ] The delay in diagnosis may result in tendon rupture. Furthermore, muscles and nerves
are resistant to infection.[22 ] Compound palmar ganglion also known as chronic flexor tenosynovitis is a rare manifestation
of the flexor tendons at the wrist or palm and is the tubercular infection affecting
the tenosynovium of long flexor tendons.[6 ] There are many differential diagnoses that should also be thought about when considering
compound palmar ganglion. These include gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis,
pyogenic infection, a possibly infected ganglion, foreign body tenosynovitis and fungal
infection, pigmented villonodular synovitis of tendon sheath, amyloidosis and synovial
chondromatosis.[25 ]
Occasionally, the mass can compress the median nerve and cause a carpal tunnel syndrome.[20 ] Symptoms can include pain, finger paraesthesia, hand edema, thenar atrophy, Phalen
and Tinel signs, elevated red blood cell sedimentation rate and alteration in electrodiagnostic
tests.[18 ]
In general, tenosynovitis evolves slowly with pain and functional limitation and manifests
as ‘a sausage shape mass’ along the inflamed tendons. There are other rare forms of
tuberculosis in the hand, such as cutaneous tuberculosis or bursitis.[22 ] Marquet et al. described a case of verrucous tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis causing carpal joint infection on the contralateral side.[26 ]
Synovial biopsy is important for diagnosis. Imagine generally assists in the diagnosis
and can reveal a decrease in ossification and in the diameter of the synovial sheath.
Diagnosis is difficult when presented as polyarticular, causing similar symptoms such
as rheumatoid arthritis.[18 ]
[19 ]
[20 ] X-rays of the hand bones can reveal cysts, lytic images and joint destruction. Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) is not specific but helps to determine the extent of the lesion.[22 ]
The synovial sheath is replaced by ‘rice bodies’, which are fibrinous masses present
in 50% of cases of tuberculosis.[18 ]
[19 ]
[20 ]
Early diagnosis, surgical transection of the transverse carpal ligament, debridement
and complete excision of the infected synovium may be required, accompanied by treatment
with antituberculosis drugs. Post-operative drug combinations are used for 1 year
(rifampicin, ethambutol, isoniazid and pyrazinamide).[18 ] Other procedures for joint lesions can be considered when there is severe cartilage
destruction and poor response to drug therapy.[19 ]
[20 ]
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis can be difficult, and delay can cause harm, but most people with EP-TBC
can be cured if they have access to diagnosis and treatment with anti-TB drugs in
time. For this reason, when facilities permit, all patients suspected of having EP-TBC
should have appropriate samples taken for microbiological and/or histological testing.
As there is an extensive list of differential diagnoses for tubercular tenosynovitis
plus the fact that non-specific clinical, radiological and histopathological findings
can significantly delay both the diagnosis and management leading to complications.
The best method to make a concluding diagnosis is open biopsy and mycobacterial culture;
especially in acute suppurative tenosynovitis, where synovial sheath fluid is the
predominant feature. Laboratory findings are generally negative, except for the erythrocyte
sedimentation rate, witch is usually increased. However, the culture usually needs
some weeks to reach a diagnosis. The positive result of synovial fluid acid-fast bacteria
staining, culture of mycobacterium, histology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
are 32%, 80%, 65% and 63%, respectively, and PCR can be used at the beginning for
initial diagnosis.[6 ]
[27 ]
[28 ]
The presence of alcohol-acid-resistant bacilli (AARB) on Ziehl–Neelsen staining may
indicate tuberculosis, but this is not pathognomonic (positive in only 20%). Definitive
diagnosis is by isolation of Koch's bacillus in synovial fluid. Culture has more specificity
and a positivity of 80%,[5 ] so biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Analysis of protein and glucose levels is non-specific.[1 ]
[2 ]
[7 ]
[8 ]
[9 ]
[10 ]
[11 ]
[12 ]
[13 ]
[14 ] Histopathological examination shows caseous necrosis, epithelial granuloma and Langhans
type giant cells.
Microbial culture is positive in 80% of cases,[1 ]
[8 ] but sterile cultures can result in partially treated disease.[7 ] In endemic areas, if the patient exhibits clinical and radiological aspects of the
disease, the administration of preventive antimicrobial drugs can be started without
the need of microbiological culture.[22 ]
The purified protein derivative test (PPD) may indicate the presence of M. tuberculosis (but false negatives are frequent).[1 ]
[2 ]
[3 ]
[9 ]
[13 ]
[14 ]
[22 ]
A simple X-ray may not be useful in the early stages of the disease or may be non-specific.
Pelayo et al. published a protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis. They recommended
performing imaging tests before the histological and microbiological tests to eliminate
others diagnostic hypotheses. In tuberculous arthritis, the Phemister triad can be
observed (articular osteoporosis, bone erosion and reduced joint space). Ultrasound
can guide joint drainage.[1 ]
[7 ]
[8 ]
[9 ]
[10 ]
[13 ]
[17 ]
TREATMENT
The prevention of the disease is possible maintaining personal hygiene and good nutrition.
Effective tuberculosis treatment depends on early diagnosis and knowledge of its extent
and complications. Pharmacological treatment requires more than one drug to prevent
drug resistance. Prolonged treatment is necessary to reach the difficult to access
bacilli locations, avoiding a new manifestation in the future. The most commonly used
antibiotics against tuberculosis are isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol,
where isoniazid and rifampicin are the most effective.[1 ]
[2 ]
[3 ]
[7 ]
[9 ]
[12 ]
[13 ]
[22 ]
The WHO recommends the inclusion of pyrazinamide and ethambutol (or streptomycin)
in the first 2 months. O-TBC in children requires at least 12 months of treatment.
Personal monitoring is critical for a successful outcome. Erythrocyte sedimentation
rate and serum protein C values are useful for monitoring the patient's treatment.[1 ]
[3 ]
[7 ]
[9 ]
[10 ]
Occasionally, surgery is recommended with specific guidelines when treatment does
not entirely work and one of the following complications occurs: Nerve compression,
impending bone collapse, joint debridement, drainage of large abscesses and correction
of deformity in healed disease, where debridement, abscess drainage, removal of ovoid
bodies and synovectomy, are required.[1 ]
[7 ]
[9 ]
[10 ]
[11 ]
[12 ]
[13 ]
[22 ]
[27 ] When the tendon repair is performed, the immobilisation is recommended for 14 days
and early physiotherapy is indicated to avoid tendon adherence and tenodesis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The authors present a case series of synovial tuberculosis on the hand and the management
performed in the hand and microsurgery department.
RESULTS
All patients evolved satisfactory with the initial surgical management and 1-year
pharmacological treatment. The authors recommended an early physiotherapy of all patients,
usually after the 7th post-operative days.
Case 2 result at 12-month post-operatively. Synovectomy with excision of hypertrophied
tissues, combined with antituberculosis chemotherapy [Figure 13 ].
Figure 13: Functional result
Case 3 result at 1-year post-operative after synovectomy and antituberculosis drugs
treatment [Figure 14 ].
Figure 14: Adequate flexor movement
Case 5 result at 1-year after surgery and chemotherapy with antituberculosis drugs.
Note the decrease in the volume of the thumb and fifth finger after conservative treatment
in these specific areas [Figure 15 ].
Figure 15: Final aesthetic result
DISCUSSION
Tuberculosis remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world. O-TBC
accounts for 1%–3% of cases and 5%–10% of EP-TBC after pleural and lymph node disease.
The commonly affected extrapulmonary sites are lymph nodes genitourinary tract, bone
marrow, CNS and musculoskeletal. The pathogenesis may be direct inoculation or haematogenous
spread from a primary focus.[6 ]
Arthritis caused by O-TBC presents as monoarticular and is located in the joints that
support the body weight and are more vascularised. Hand tuberculosis presents as osteomyelitis
associated with pain, swelling and functional limitation, with or without constitutional
symptoms. Tenosynovitis though rare and is the most common presentation. The flexor
apparatus is most affected, as well as the ulnar side when compared to the radial
one;[18 ]
[19 ]
[20 ] tenosynovitis is more common in upper limb as compare to lower limb and commonly
involves the flexor or volar site of wrist and hand of dominant limb;[24 ] this detail was observed in the cases presented in a 5-year period in our hand surgery
service. Tendon rupture is a common complication that was not observed in the cases
discussed. Clinical presentation is like a slow-growing tumour, associated with local
pain that worsens with movement of the fingers. The growth within the carpal tunnel
produces median nerve compression. This was observed in one case. There are three
histopathological stages of disease depending on duration of disease, resistance of
patient and virulence of infecting agent; in early stage, there is vascular granulation
tissue formation followed by obliteration of tendon sheath by fibrous tissue fluid
accumulation and formation of rice bodies or sago seeds (which are fibrinous masses
or tubercle made by caseation). In the final stage, there is rupture of tendon sheath,
extensive caseation and granulation take place.[27 ] The rice bodies are also commonly found in many diseases such as SLE, rheumatoid
arthritis, seronegative arthritis and osteoarthritis of joint.[29 ]
Synovial biopsy is important for diagnosis and was performed in all patients (excisional
biopsy) confirming the diagnosis by specific Ziehl-Neelsen staining and culture for
AARB.
Treatment should include an antituberculosis chemotherapy regimen of 12 months, as
the WHO recommendations. The ideal time for a surgical approach is still controversial.
In this case, synovectomy with surgical debridement of the hypertrophied tissue, with
or without surgical repair of the flexor-extensor apparatus, can be performed.
The main treatment in all cases presented was the initial surgical approach. Management
was removal of the hypertrophied synovial tissue and debridement of the affected area,
combined with post-operative anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy for 1 year. To make a
provisional diagnosis of tuberculosis and to start antituberculosis treatment, it
is always better to rule out other common causes and conclude clinical, radiological,
histopathological and PCR findings suggestive of tubercular tenosynovitis.
CONCLUSIONS
Tuberculosis remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide. Osteoarticular
involvement is infrequent and synovial infection in the hand is rare. When the disease
is not treated in time and properly, consequences in the hand can be permanent in
the flexor-extensor apparatus. Knowledge of this type of disease in the hand can provide
a better diagnosis and outcome.
Declaration of patient consent
The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms.
In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their
images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients
understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will
be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
