Related Experiment Videos
Childhood Lichen scrofulosorum revisited
P K Ramdial1, A Mosam, T Pillay
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal, Private Bag 7, Congella, 4013, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.
Summary
Lichen scrofulosorum (LS) is a rare skin reaction to tuberculosis, often seen in children. This study highlights LS occurring with pulmonary tuberculosis and generalized lymphadenopathy, which is previously unrecognized.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lichen scrofulosorum (LS) is an uncommon cutaneous manifestation of tuberculosis, typically affecting children and young adults.
- Literature on LS in children has been sparse in recent decades, despite rising global tuberculosis rates.
- LS is commonly linked to localized lymphadenopathy (cervical, hilar, mediastinal) or osseous tuberculosis.
Observation:
- The association of LS with pulmonary tuberculosis is infrequent.
- LS presenting with generalized lymphadenopathy is considered unrecognized.
- This report details two pediatric cases of LS.
Findings:
- The study presents two children diagnosed with Lichen scrofulosorum.
- Both cases demonstrated LS in conjunction with pulmonary tuberculosis.
- A significant finding was the presence of generalized lymphadenopathy in these cases.
Implications:
- This highlights a rare presentation of LS in pediatric patients.
- It expands the understanding of LS associations beyond localized forms.
- The findings suggest a need to consider LS in children with unexplained pulmonary tuberculosis and generalized lymphadenopathy.