Two cases of joint tuberculosis are reported.
A 65-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis for the past twenty years presented with right wrist pain and pneumonitis. Smears of pus and sputum were negative for acid-fast bacilli, but cultures were reported positive for tubercle bacilli after three weeks. This patient died of respiratory and renal failure nineteen days after admission.
A 64-year-old man with chronic renal failure presented with right shoulder pain and mild swelling. Microscopical examination of pus smears revealed acid-fast bacilli of Gaffky III. This case was treated by curettage and medication of INH, RFP and EB. He was discharged with a shoulder brace, and his general condition had improved when seen three months later.
The importances of early diagnosis and management of patients with joint tuberculosis is stressed.