Primary unilateral tuberculous inguinal lymphadenitis.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Tuberculous lymphadenitis is a common extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis.
• Isolated inguinal lymphadenitis due to tuberculosis is rare, particularly in developed countries.
• The condition is typically bilateral when it occurs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of isolated unilateral tuberculous inguinal lymphadenitis.
• To highlight the atypical presentation of mycobacterium tuberculosis in an immunocompetent individual.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and implications of this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a young Greek woman.
• Clinical presentation including erythema nodosum and unilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy.
• Diagnostic confirmation via lymph node excision and biopsy identifying M. tuberculosis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with erythema nodosum and isolated unilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy.
• Biopsy confirmed M. tuberculosis infection as the cause of lymphadenitis.
• Extensive workup excluded other tuberculosis foci.
• The case was unique due to unilateral presentation in a healthy individual with no travel history.

Conclusions:

• Isolated tuberculous inguinal lymphadenitis can present unilaterally.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy, even in non-endemic areas.
• This case underscores the importance of thorough investigation for rare presentations of common infections.