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[Lupus vulgaris diagnosed after 71 years]
1Dept. of Dermatology, Reish Polyclinic, Haifa.
Harefuah
|June 16, 1991
Summary
Lupus vulgaris, a common skin tuberculosis form, is decreasing but a rare, long-standing case highlights its potential underdiagnosis. Increased awareness is crucial for recognizing this persistent cutaneous disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) encompasses various presentations, with lupus vulgaris being the most frequent form.
- Epidemiological data suggest a declining incidence of lupus vulgaris in recent decades.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old male patient presented with a significant, long-standing plaque of lupus vulgaris.
- The lesion was located on the chin and upper neck and had persisted for 71 years.
Findings:
- This case represents an unusually prolonged duration for lupus vulgaris.
- The patient's presentation underscores the potential for chronic, overlooked cases of cutaneous tuberculosis.
Implications:
- Heightened clinical suspicion for lupus vulgaris is warranted, even in regions with low TB prevalence.
- Diagnostic awareness may need to be re-evaluated, as the actual frequency of cutaneous TB might be underestimated.