Published online Jan 26, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i3.709
Peer-review started: November 26, 2022
First decision: December 13, 2022
Revised: December 21, 2022
Accepted: January 5, 2023
Article in press: January 5, 2023
Published online: January 26, 2023
Processing time: 61 Days and 1.5 Hours
Soft tissue tuberculosis is rare and insidious, with most patients presenting with a localized enlarged mass or swelling, which may be factors associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. In recent years, next-generation sequencing has rapidly evolved and has been successfully applied to numerous areas of basic and clinical research. A literature search revealed that the use of next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of soft tissue tuberculosis has been rarely reported.
A 44-year-old man presented with recurrent swelling and ulcers on the left thigh. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a soft tissue abscess. The lesion was surgically removed and tissue biopsy and culture were performed; however, no organism growth was detected. Finally, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed as the pathogen responsible for infection through next-generation sequencing analysis of the surgical specimen. The patient received a standardized anti-tuberculosis treatment and showed clinical improvement. We also performed a literature review on soft tissue tuberculosis using studies published in the past 10 years.
This case highlights the importance of next-generation sequencing for the early diagnosis of soft tissue tuberculosis, which can provide guidance for clinical treatment and improve prognosis.
Core Tip: The diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis can be challenging, especially for tuberculosis in rare sites such as soft tissues. Soft tissue tuberculosis is rare and easily misdiagnosed. A delay in soft tissue tuberculosis diagnosis may worsen the disease, increase tuberculosis transmission, and accelerate the evolution of drug resistance. This case report emphasizes the importance of next-generation sequencing for early diagnosis of soft tissue tuberculosis, which can provide guidance for clinical treatment and improve prognosis.