A Case Report of a Cold Chest Wall Abscess Following Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination

TL;DR

A two-year-old child developed a rare cold abscess after a BCG vaccine, which was successfully treated with medication instead of surgery.

Contribution

This case report documents a rare BCG vaccine complication and advocates for conservative treatment over surgery.

Findings

A cold abscess occurred six weeks after BCG vaccination in a two-year-old male.

Antitubercular therapy successfully resolved the abscess without surgical intervention.

The case supports a conservative approach to managing rare BCG-related complications.

Abstract

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, a cornerstone in global immunization programs for tuberculosis prevention, has generally proven to be safe and effective. However, rare complications, including localized abscess formation, have been reported. This case report highlights a two-year-old male who developed a painless swelling on the left chest wall, noticed six weeks post-BCG vaccination. Physical and imaging evaluations confirmed a cold abscess. Laboratory tests ruled out alternative diagnoses. Antitubercular therapy led to a favorable response, avoiding surgical intervention. Follow-up revealed complete resolution, showcasing successful management of this rare BCG-related complication in a pediatric patient. The success of antimycobacterial therapy supports a tailored and conservative approach, raising questions about the necessity of surgical intervention. The presented case sheds light on the complex interplay between BCG vaccination, host response, and rare complications, providing valuable insights for further research. Vigilance, robust surveillance, and collaborative efforts are essential to unravel vaccine-related adverse events. This case contributes to a deeper understanding of rare BCG-related complications, guiding clinical practice, and advancing the knowledge base.

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