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Papulonecrotic tuberculid: a rare form of cutaneous tuberculosis
Anatoli Freiman1, Patricia Ting, Mark Miller
1Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.
Cutis
|July 29, 2005
Summary
Papulonecrotic tuberculid, a rare skin tuberculosis, can be challenging to diagnose. Confirming Mycobacterium tuberculosis in lymph nodes, not skin, is key for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cutaneous tuberculosis presents diverse clinical manifestations.
- Papulonecrotic tuberculid is a rare form of skin tuberculosis.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Observation:
- A case of papulonecrotic tuberculid in a young woman is presented.
- The patient exhibited cervical adenopathy and ulcerative finger lesions.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from lymph node biopsy.
Findings:
- Lymph node biopsy showed granulomatous lymphadenitis with positive M. tuberculosis culture.
- Skin biopsy revealed non-necrotizing granulomas, but M. tuberculosis tests were negative.
- Diagnosis relies on isolating M. tuberculosis from non-skin sites due to variable skin test results.
Implications:
- Highlights diagnostic challenges in papulonecrotic tuberculid.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering M. tuberculosis in differential diagnosis.
- Underscores the need for timely and accurate diagnosis for appropriate therapy.