Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
10:36
Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
[A man with a wound on his elbow]
Kim A E Thissen-Steenvoorden1,2, Caroline Becker3, Duco D Deenstra3
1Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospitaal, Oranjestad, Aruba. Afd. Spoedeisende Hulp.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) can manifest as persistent soft tissue infections, even in young adults. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are crucial for managing extrapulmonary TB, preventing complications like non-healing wounds.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of manifesting in extrapulmonary sites.
- Soft tissue infections can present diagnostic challenges, sometimes masking underlying systemic diseases.
- Disseminated TB, particularly extrapulmonary forms, requires high clinical suspicion for timely diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of disseminated tuberculosis presenting as a non-healing soft tissue wound.
- To emphasize the importance of considering extrapulmonary TB in patients with persistent, unexplained skin and soft tissue infections.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and management implications of inadequately treated disseminated TB.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 27-year-old Indonesian male presenting with a non-healing elbow wound and significant weight loss.
- Clinical evaluation, diagnostic workup, and treatment course for the patient.
- Review of relevant literature on extrapulmonary tuberculosis and soft tissue manifestations.
Main Results:
- The patient's non-healing wound and weight loss were attributed to inadequately treated disseminated tuberculosis.
- Extrapulmonary involvement was confirmed, necessitating a comprehensive treatment approach.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate anti-TB therapy led to wound healing and recovery.
Conclusions:
- Persistent soft tissue infections should prompt consideration of disseminated tuberculosis, even in the absence of typical pulmonary symptoms.
- Inadequate treatment of TB can lead to severe extrapulmonary manifestations and prolonged illness.
- This case underscores the need for vigilance in diagnosing and managing extrapulmonary TB to prevent morbidity.
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