A Clinico-Histopathological Study of Lupus Vulgaris at a Tertiary Care Centre

Background and objectives Lupus vulgaris is a chronic, progressive, paucibacillary form of cutaneous tuberculosis that occurs in persons with moderate to high immunity. Due to its varied clinical presentation, it can masquerade as different dermatological conditions. This study describes the demographic patterns and varieties of clinical manifestations that can be possible in this curable illness. Methods This study was conducted over two years and included 19 patients with histopathologically confirmed lupus vulgaris in Odisha, India. Demographic data, clinical features, and response to treatment are presented. Results Thirteen cases (68.4%) were seen in adults and six (31.6%) in pediatric patients. The lower limbs were the more affected (n=10), followed by the upper limb (6), the face (2), and the chest (1). All but one patient had plaque-type lesions. On histopathology, all showed a tuberculoid granuloma with no demonstration of acid-fast bacilli with Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Conclusion In the present study, the incidence was mostly observed in the young and higher activity age groups (5-40 years). Plaque-type lesions were most commonly encountered. In histopathology, all the cases had tubercular granuloma-type lesions without any incidence of malignant transformations. All the patients responded well to conventional multi-drug anti-tubercular chemotherapeutic regimens.