Related Experiment Videos
Cutaneous tuberculosis: a rare presentation of malignancy
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Flushing Hospital Medical Center, New York 11355.
Summary
A rare case of disseminated tuberculosis (TB) in an elderly woman presented as skin nodules and a neck ulcer. Diagnosis was confirmed by identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis in skin lesion cultures.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Disseminated tuberculosis is uncommon, particularly in elderly individuals presenting with cutaneous manifestations.
- Cutaneous tuberculosis can mimic other conditions, including malignancy, complicating initial diagnosis.
Observation:
- An 88-year-old woman presented with fever, a neck ulcer, and multiple subcutaneous nodules on the extremities and thorax.
- Initial clinical suspicion was malignancy with skin metastases.
Findings:
- Aspiration of a subcutaneous nodule revealed weakly gram-positive bacilli on Gram stain.
- Acid-fast bacilli staining was positive, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from skin lesion cultures.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering mycobacterial infections in elderly patients with atypical skin lesions.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing disseminated disease.