[Tuberculosis cutis colliquativa. Even today an important differential diagnosis]

An 82-year-old woman presented with perforating abscesses in the cervical and axillary region over 7 months. Histopathological and extensive microbiological examinations lead to the diagnosis of tuberculosis cutis colliquativa, a form of postprimary cutaneous tuberculosis. Tuberculosis cutis colliquativa can be caused by either contiguous spread from an underlying structure, direct inoculation or hematogenous dissemination. Morphologically it is characterized by a subcutaneous node forming an abscess with secondary perforation of overlying skin. The parotid, submandibular, and supraclavicular regions are the sites most likely to be affected. Today it still remains an important differential diagnosis for an abscess with fistulas. Correlation with histopathologic findings and microbiological examinations including polymerase chain reaction and mycobacterial culture being the most reliable method is required. Standard therapy regimens consist of 2 months of quadruple therapy followed by another 4 months of a continuation phase using a two-drug regimen.