Cutaneous tuberculosis in the pediatric population: A review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health issue with increasing incidence in the US.
• Pediatric populations are highly susceptible to TB.
• Extrapulmonary TB can manifest as cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the diverse clinical presentations of cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB).
• To highlight diagnostic challenges and treatment protocols for CTB.

Main Methods:

• Clinical description of eight forms of CTB.
• Emphasis on histopathology for diagnosis.
• Recommendation for chest x-ray and review of systems to identify extrapulmonary TB.

Main Results:

• CTB has 8 distinct forms, including Lupus vulgaris, Tuberculous chancre, Tuberculosis verrucose cutis, Periorificial lesions, Scrofuloderma, Tuberculosis miliaris cutis disseminate, Metastatic abscesses, and Tuberculid forms.
• Scrofuloderma is the most common pediatric CTB, while Lupus vulgaris is the second most common.
• Diagnosis can be challenging and requires histopathology.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous tuberculosis presents with varied clinical manifestations.
• Accurate diagnosis of CTB relies on histopathology.
• All forms of CTB are effectively treated with a 6-month anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) regimen, sometimes supplemented with surgical management.