Tuberculosis of the foot as the initial manifestation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome: a report of two cases.

Abstract

Two cases of tuberculosis of the forefoot are presented to highlight a growing threat in our Western communities. Each represents an initial manifestation of occult infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. Delays in diagnosis and treatment existed because of equivocal and nonspecific clinical, radiographic, and laboratory findings. It is imperative that tubercular infection be considered when evaluating often nonspecific lesions of the foot, particularly in the immunocompromised population.