Cutaneous tuberculosis, different clinical spectrum of the same disease: the importance of pre-test probability.

This report presents three cases of cutaneous tuberculosis that were identified at the Calderon Hospital in Quito, Ecuador. The first case involved a 44-year-old man who had tuberculosis verrucosa cutis, characterized by circinate erythematous areas, ulcerated nodules, and verruciform plaques extending from the right lower limb to the hip. In the second case a 50-year-old woman with a 1-year history of pruritic dermatosis in the left ciliary area was diagnosed with lupus vulgaris. In the third case, a 23-year-old man with erythematous nodules draining caseous material at the neck, thorax, and axillary region was diagnosed with scrofuloderma. It was discovered that nearly every laboratory test that was accessible had drawbacks as a diagnostic technique. Correlating clinical and epidemiological features with the pretest probability is crucial for optimizing indicators and confirming or ruling out the diagnosis in immunocompromised and high-risk individuals with atypical lesions.

A Case Report on Scrofuloderma: A Cutaneous Manifestation of Tuberculosis.

Scrofuloderma, a manifestation of cutaneous tuberculosis, is a less common but clinically significant form of mycobacterial infection. It typically arises from the contiguous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from an underlying infected lymph node or osseous structure to the adjacent skin. The condition manifests predominantly as chronic, granulomatous inflammation that leads to skin ulcers and abscesses. Despite its rarity, scrofuloderma presents substantial diagnostic challenges, primarily due to its nonspecific clinical presentation, which may mimic other dermatological conditions. This case report delineates the clinical journey of a patient with scrofuloderma who was attended to in a tertiary care setting. It emphasizes the diagnostic complexities encountered, underscored by a comprehensive discussion of the investigative modalities used to establish the diagnosis. This report elaborates on the therapeutic regimen taken, showcasing the effectiveness of a customized antituberculosis treatment plan.

A Chronic Multiple Site of Scrofuloderma: Is It Reactivation or Treatment Failure of Tuberculosis?

We report a case of 32-year-old patient who presented with painless erythematous plaque gradually ulcerated for 9 years. He had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis 12 years ago and was cured by the treatment of 2HRZE/4HR. The laboratory examination of t-spot and PPD skin test was positive. Histopathology examinations of left cervical lymph node as well as skin revealed granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis. A diagnosis of scrofuloderma was made. Negative sputum culture and chest CT scan results excluded pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient was treated with a standard antituberculosis therapy and recovered well after 5 months' follow-up. Scrofuloderma is a rare manifestation of mycobacterial infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important.

Cutaneous tuberculosis in the pediatric population: A review.

Importance: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant health concern, affecting over 1.5 million people annually worldwide, with the incidence increasing in the United States from 2020 to 2021. The pediatric population is particularly vulnerable to TB. Extrapulmonary manifestations of TB include cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB). Observations: There are 8 forms of CTB. Lupus vulgaris (LV) is the second most common form of pediatric CTB which presents nontender plaques or nodules with ulceration that progress to well-defined, scaly plaques. Tuberculous chancre results from exogenous inoculation and lesions contain large amounts of acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Clinically, tuberculous chancre presents as erythematous papules which form firm nontender ulcers. Tuberculosis verrucose cutis (TVC) presents as small papules surrounded by inflammation that develops into a wart-like lesion. Periorificial lesions are rare and present as painful ulcers in the oral or perineal regions. Scrofuloderma is the most common form of pediatric CTB and presents as nodules that ulcerate, forming purulent sinus tracts. Tuberculosis miliaris cutis disseminate presents as widespread papules and crusted vesicles. Metastatic abscesses present as multiple nodules that may ulcerate or form draining sinus tracts. Lastly, tuberculid forms include lichen scrofulosorum (LS), which presents as lichenoid papules which may form plaques and scale, and papulonecrotic tuberculid, which presents as necrotic papules. All forms of cutaneous tuberculosis can be treated with the standard 6-month, four-drug anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT). Some cases of CTB may require debriding and surgical management in addition to ATT. Conclusions and Relevance: Determining the type of CTB can be challenging clinically. Histopathology is needed to make the diagnosis. Chest x-ray and a review of systems should be obtained for CTB patients to determine if there are other extrapulmonary manifestations of TB. All types are treated with 6 months of ATT.

Atypical Pediatric Presentation of Pilomatricoma.

Pilomatricomas are uncommon, benign tumors of the hair follicle, which are often misdiagnosed upon initial inspection. Here we describe the case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with a persistent draining tumor on the left side of his neck for approximately two years. The tumor was originally misdiagnosed as scrofuloderma but, eventually, our patient's pilomatricoma was identified with biopsy and successfully treated with elliptical excision. We discuss the importance of considering pilomatricoma in the differential diagnosis.

Rare concurrence of lepromatous leprosy and cutaneous tuberculosis.

The coinfection of leprosy and tuberculosis has been rarely reported in literature. A middle-aged man who was a known case of hepatitis B infection had presented with ichthyosis with claw hand deformity and submandibular swelling, which were diagnosed with lepromatous leprosy and scrofuloderma, respectively.

Scrofuloderma and granuloma annulare-like lesions: Challenges of diagnosing cutaneous tuberculosis in developed countries.

Tuberculosis remains a global health concern, as the increasing levels of urban poverty, higher number of immunodeficient patients and the development of drug resistance threaten the overall efforts made to induce a downward trend for the disease. Scrofuloderma, also known as tuberculosis cutis colliquativa is a subtype of cutaneous tuberculosis. Here we detail a case of a 70-year-old female patient presented with unilateral, left-sided, multiple palpable, painful, ulcerated and purulent cervical nodules, accompanied by persistent generalized erythematous popular granuloma annulare-like skin lesions on the upper extremities. Based on the result of the PCR assay, culture, imaging and histopathological findings, the diagnosis of scrofuloderma was established. To achieve prompt diagnosis and early treatment, it is crucial to include scrofuloderma in the differential diagnosis of ulcerated lesions in developed countries as well, and also be aware of the additional clinical symptoms, such as granuloma annulare-like lesions, possibly accompanying cutaneous tuberculosis.

Atypical cutaneous tuberculosis with an unusual course.

Cutaneous tuberculosis represents the fifth extrapulmonary form in Morocco after pleural, lymph node, urogenital, and intestinal tuberculosis. It is recognized to form a continuous immunopathologic spectrum, ranging from a high intensity to a low intensity of cell-mediated immunity, which explains the multiplicity and heterogeneity of anatomo-clinical forms. Association of multiple forms in the same patient is really rare. In this regard, we report a case of scrofuloderma on axillary tuberculosis adenitis associated to a lupus vulgaris in an immunocompetent patient, which was confirmed by histology, QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, and polymerase chain reaction. He received an antituberculous therapy with clinical regression of the lesions. In conclusion, cutaneous tuberculosis is still endemic in developing countries.The diagnosis is difficult because of its clinical polymorphism. That's why it's should be suspected clinically in the presence of any destructive or verrucous skin lesion evolving without healing for a long period and confirmed by bacteriological examinations and histology.

Multiple diagnostic examinations are effective for the early diagnosis of scrofuloderma.

Although scrofuloderma is the most common subtype of cutaneous tuberculosis, its diagnosis is often delayed. In this case, ciprofloxacin was first administered as only Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected by initial culture tests. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is usually susceptible to quinolone antibiotics, hence the partial improvement in inflammatory symptoms and subsequent delay in diagnosis. Our case serves as a reminder that we should always be aware of the possibility of cutaneous tuberculosis being the cause of an abscess, especially when the abscess is not completely resolved by antibiotics. Moreover, our case reminds us that it is necessary to conduct repeated culture tests, rather than relying purely on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, given that cases of PCR-negative acid-fast bacilli (AFB) culture-positive scrofuloderma have been reported. Fine needle aspiration is a less invasive and useful way to collect culture samples.

Cutaneous tuberculosis. Part I: Pathogenesis, classification, and clinical features.

Tuberculosis is an ancient disease that continues to affect an estimated 10 million people per year and is responsible for 1.4 million deaths per year. Additionally, the HIV epidemic and multidrug resistance present challenges to disease control. Cutaneous tuberculosis is an uncommon, often indolent, manifestation of mycobacterial infection that has a varied presentation. Its diagnosis is challenging, as lesions mimic other, more common conditions and microbiological confirmation is often not possible. Cutaneous tuberculosis can be broadly categorized into multibacillary and paucibacillary forms. Approximately one-third of skin tuberculosis is associated with systemic involvement. By recognizing cutaneous tuberculosis early, dermatologists can play an important role in disease control. The first article in this 2-part continuing medical education series describes the latest epidemiology, microbiology, and pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Furthermore, we review the classification, clinical manifestations, common clinical differentials, and systemic involvement that occur in cutaneous tuberculosis.

Cutaneous tuberculosis. Part II: Complications, diagnostic workup, histopathologic features, and treatment.

Despite the availability of effective treatment regimens for cutaneous tuberculosis, challenges to disease control result from delayed diagnosis, infection with multidrug-resistant mycobacterial strains, and coinfection with HIV. Delayed diagnosis can be mitigated when dermatologists are sensitized to the clinical signs and symptoms of infection and by the incorporation of appropriate diagnostic tests. All cases of cutaneous tuberculosis should be confirmed with histopathology and culture with or without molecular testing. In each case, a thorough evaluation for systemic involvement is necessary. Mycobacteria may not be isolated from cutaneous tuberculosis lesions and therefore, a trial of antituberculosis treatment may be required to confirm the diagnosis. The second article in this 2-part continuing medical education series describes the sequelae, histopathology, and treatment of tuberculosis.

Multiple Tubercular Cervical, Supraclavicular, and Pretracheal Lymphadenitis With Scrofuloderma: A Rare Case.

In clinical settings, cutaneous tuberculosis is an uncommon occurrence. On the other hand, incidences of this kind of tuberculosis are usually documented in high-burden nations. Despite being the most prevalent variety of cutaneous tuberculosis, scrofuloderma frequently goes undiagnosed. The present case is a rare case of simultaneous involvement of cervical, supraclavicular, and pretracheal lymph nodes and skin due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A 26-year-old Indian female was diagnosed after a careful diagnostic workup involving fine needle aspiration cytology, a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test, and a biopsy. The case is remarkable as there was no pulmonary involvement. She was initiated on antitubercular treatment per national policy.

Dermoscopy of the Diverse Spectrum of Cutaneous Tuberculosis in the Skin of Color.

Introduction: Cutaneous tuberculosis is an uncommon form of tuberculosis, accounting for 1%-2% of all forms of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Knowledge of the dermoscopic characteristics of different clinical types of cutaneous tuberculosis can help timely diagnosis resulting in better outcomes. Objectives: To characterize the Dermoscopy findings in different clinical types of cutaneous tuberculosis in dark skin phototypes. Methods: All clinically suspected and biopsy confirmed cases of cutaneous tuberculosis seen from July 2019 through December 2021 were retrospectively recruited. Information including age, gender, disease duration, site and morphology of lesions, and presence of concomitant tuberculosis elsewhere was noted. Two investigators retrospectively reviewed the dermoscopic characteristics of these cases. Results: Twenty-two patients comprised of 12 women and 10 men met the inclusion criteria. Lupus vulgaris was the commonest presentation of cutaneous tuberculosis seen in 13 patients. Five had scrofuloderma, 2 had tuberculosis verrucosa cutis and 1 patient each had lichen scrofulosorum and papulo-necrotic tuberculid. Yellow-orange structureless areas (100%), linear/dot vessels (100%), white scales (92.3%), and white structureless areas (84.6%) were the predominant dermoscopy findings in lupus vulgaris. In scrofuloderma, linear vessels and white structureless areas were visible in all cases. Dirty white scales with a papillated surface were characteristically seen in tuberculosis verrucosa cutis, with 1 of the 2 patients each showing vessels and yellow-orange structureless areas. White globules with surrounding erythema were seen in lichen scrofulosorum and yellow-orange structureless areas with keratin plugs in papulo-necrotic tuberculid. Conclusions: A thorough understanding of the characteristic dermoscopy of cutaneous tuberculosis can help suspect the diagnosis early resulting in better management opportunity.

Escrofuloderma en paciente pediátrico / Scrofuloderma in a pediatric patient

La tuberculosis (TB) cutánea es una forma rara de tuberculosis extrapulmonar y puede tener diversas manifestaciones clínicas. La afectación cutánea puede producirse como resultado de inoculación exógena, diseminación contigua desde un foco de infección, o mediante la propagación hematógena desde un foco distante 1. Las formas multibacilares de localización cutánea siguen siendo, con mucho, las más comunes en los niños 2. La tuberculosis cutánea representa sólo el 1-2% de las formas extrapulmonares de TB. Se clasifica en varias variantes, y la escrofulodermia es una forma de tuberculosis endógena. Afecta a personas de todas las edades, sin embargo, los niños, los adolescentes y los ancianos se ven muy afectados, debido a la incapacidad inmunológica para contener la infección por micobacterias. La escrofulodermia puede presentarse de forma aislada o coexistir con formas pulmonares y diseminadas de TB. Se presenta como nódulos eritematosos que se fistulizan y descargan material caseoso y purulento 3. Los exámenes patológicos revelan abscesos, necrosis y granulomas de tipo tuberculoide (3). La correlación clínica, biológica, patológica y, a veces, la progresión con el tratamiento antibacilar son la clave del diagnóstico 2

Cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that can have diverse clinical manifestations. Cutaneous involvement may occur as a result of exogenous inoculation, contiguous dissemination from a focus of infection, or by hematogenous spread from a distant focus (1). Multibacillary forms of cutaneous localization remain by far the most common in children (2). Children and the elderly are greatly affected due to immunological inability to contain the mycobacterial infection. Scrofuloderma can occur in isolation or coexist with pulmonary and disseminated forms of TB. It presents with erythematous nodules that fistulize and discharge caseous and purulent material (3). Anatomopathological examinations reveal abscesses, necrosis and tuberculoid granulomas (3). Clinical, biological, pathological correlation and sometimes progression with antibacillary treatment are the key to diagnosis (2)

Multifocal cutaneous tuberculosis coexisting with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and it can affect multiple organ systems. Cutaneous TB, a less common type of extrapulmonary TB can coexist with TB of other organs. Here, we describe a case of multifocal cutaneous TB suggestive of two different morphological types with concomitant miliary pulmonary TB.

A rare case of scrofuloderma along with lupus vulgaris.

Cutaneous forms of tuberculosis are rare, comprising about 1-1.5% of all cases, and show a wide range of clinical manifestations. Here we present a case of a patient with left cervical ulcerated lymphadenopathy associated with a violaceous plaque in the area of the manubrium of sternum. We performed a biopsy of the plaque for histopathology, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test for mycobacteria and a smear of the ulcerated lymph node. Histopathology results showed a dermal infiltrate consisting of epithelioid granulomas without necrosis, PCR was negative, and the culture was positive for M. tuberculosis. We made the diagnosis of scrofuloderma associated with lupus vulgaris. The patient was treated with an anti-tuberculous therapy with clinical regression of the lesions. Our case emphasizes the importance of recognizing that tuberculosis can occur as a primary cutaneous pathology, with a challenging diagnosis that requires the correlation of clinical findings with diagnostic testing. Transient acantholytic dermatosis (TAD) is a relatively common entity that has been also noted to occur in patients with cancer. Herein, we describe a case of transient acantholytic dermatosis occurring in a patient with a history of prostate cancer status post radiation, now being treated with combination therapy with pembrolizumab and carboplatin-pemetrexed for advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Our case emphasizes the importance of being cognizant of TAD and its associations, particularly in cancer patients.

Cutaneous tuberculosis simultaneously presenting as a subcutaneous nodule and mass: A case report.

Although the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is decreasing globally, it remains an endemic disease in Taiwan. The etiology of cutaneous TB can be endogenous or exogenous. The mechanism of infection could be direct inoculation, contiguity, or hematogenous dissemination. The clinical manifestations are diverse, ranging from scrofuloderma, acute miliary TB, tuberculous chancre, tuberculosis verrucosa cutis, and lupus vulgaris to tuberculid. Basis the bacterial load, cutaneous TB is classified as multibacillary or paucibacillary. We present a case of cutaneous TB that initially presented as a subcutaneous nodule and a mass. The cutaneous TB likely originated from underlying TB lymphadenitis and TB spine and presented as scrofuloderma.

Supraclavicular Scrofuloderma: A Diagnostic Challenge without Apparent Clinical Manifestations of Tuberculosis.

Scrofuloderma is one of the cutaneous manifestations of tuberculosis and usually occurs when underlying tuberculosis such as lymphadenitis directly involves the skin. However, the diagnosis of scrofuloderma without other apparent clinical manifestations of tuberculosis is sometimes challenging. A 27-year-old male from Bangladesh presented with a dome-shaped tumor on his right clavicle. MRI showed a high-density area that expanded from the lymph nodes between the internal jugular vein and the common carotid artery into the tumor on his right clavicle. Bacterial examinations of cultures from the tumor detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Further examinations for pulmonary tuberculosis including chest X-ray and computed tomography did not detect any lesions suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis. From those examinations, the diagnosis of scrofuloderma was made. We emphasize the importance of recognizing a variety of clinical manifestations of tuberculosis including scrofuloderma due to the recent increase of immigrants from developing countries.