Chest wall granuloma associated with BCG vaccination presenting as hot abscess in an immunocompetent infant

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2015 Mar 4:10:29. doi: 10.1186/s13019-015-0231-z.

Abstract

Bacillus-Calmette-Gue´rin (BCG) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine to prevent tuberculosis by cell mediated immune response and is routinely administered early after birth. Although it is considered to be a very safe vaccine, sometimes a variety of complications may develop. Herein we describe a clinically unusual case of chest wall granuloma considered to be induced by BCG, presenting as hot abscess, and developed 7 months after BCG vaccination in an immunocompetent infant. The diagnosis was made based on the history, histopathology and virological studies. We suggest, although very rare, a BCG disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in case of chest wall abscess, even if this is presenting as a hot abscess and even in immunocompetent infants if their age is related to BCG vaccination complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / immunology
  • Abscess / microbiology*
  • BCG Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Granuloma / diagnosis
  • Granuloma / immunology
  • Granuloma / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Infant
  • Mycobacterium bovis*
  • Thoracic Wall
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis / etiology*
  • Tuberculosis / immunology
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine