Multiple subcutaneous abscesses due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an immunocompetent host

A 58-year-old immunocompetent man presented with a 9-month history of several disseminated subcutaneous ulcerative nodules, fever and weight loss. Histopathological changes were not specific. X-ray of the chest disclosed a large right hilar density highly suggestive of a lung carcinoma. All these manifestations eventually proved to be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which grew from sputum and skin. We report this case because of its striking clinical features.