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A Novel Microdissection Approach to Recovering Mycobacterium tuberculosis Specific Transcripts from Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Lung Granulomas
Published on: June 5, 2014
[Lingual tuberculosis revealing disseminated tuberculosis]
1Service de médecine interne, hôpital Gabriel-Montpied, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 58, rue Montalembert, BP 69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand cedex 01, France. magalividal@yahoo.fr
Oral tuberculosis is rare and often secondary to lung disease. This case highlights a chronic tongue ulcer that, upon diagnosis and treatment for disseminated tuberculosis, fully resolved, emphasizing the importance of considering TB in oral lesions.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Oral tuberculous lesions are infrequent, typically secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Primary oral tuberculosis is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male smoker presented with a chronic tongue ulcer, anorexia, and weight loss.
- Biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation with Langhans giant cells, but Ziehl-Nielsen stain was negative.
- Pulmonary lesions were identified, and disseminated tuberculosis was confirmed via positive cultures.
Findings:
- Antituberculosis treatment led to complete resolution of the oral lesion.
- Histopathological diagnosis, acid-fast stains, and cultures are crucial for differentiating oral ulcers.
- Tuberculosis of the tongue presents diagnostic challenges but is treatable.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of oral tuberculosis are vital for patient recovery.
- Clinicians should consider tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of chronic oral ulcers.
- Prompt management of disseminated tuberculosis ensures resolution of oral manifestations.
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