Mycobacterium bovis vertebral osteomyelitis and psoas abscess after intravesical BCG therapy for bladder carcinoma.

Systemic complications of intravesicular BCG for bladder carcinoma are uncommon, and include fever, pneumonia, hepatitis, arthralgias, or skin rash. Local complications of BCG therapy for bladder cancer include cystitis, prostatitis, epididymo-orchitis, granulomatous lymphadenitis, or ureteral obstruction. We believe this is the first case of Mycobacterium bovis vertebral osteomyelitis and psoas abscess complicating intravesicular BCG therapy for bladder carcinoma.