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Scrofuloderma with multiple organ involvement in a 5-year-old child
S Kaur1, G P Thami, A J Kanwar
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
Cutaneous tuberculosis, a rare skin infection, can affect internal organs in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is an uncommon manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, particularly prevalent in developing nations.
- CTB often presents a diagnostic challenge, especially in pediatric cases where systemic involvement may not be clinically apparent.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old child presented with CTB, exhibiting concurrent, yet initially unrecognized, involvement of lymph nodes, lungs, musculoskeletal system, and central nervous system.
- The extent of internal organ compromise was not evident through initial clinical examination.
Findings:
- Antituberculous therapy resulted in significant clinical improvement in the affected child.
- This case highlights the potential for widespread dissemination of tuberculosis from a cutaneous presentation.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive investigations to detect internal organ involvement in all pediatric patients diagnosed with cutaneous tuberculosis.
- Early and aggressive management of CTB is essential to prevent severe morbidity associated with disseminated disease.
Abstract:
Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis seen in children in developing countries. We report a 5-year-old child with cutaneous tuberculosis with involvement of lymph nodes, lungs, and the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems, which was not clinically obvious. Antituberculous treatment led to marked clinical improvement. The importance of a thorough search for internal organ involvement in patients presenting with cutaneous tuberculosis is emphasized.