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Papulonecrotic tuberculid secondary to disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex
J T Williams1, D R Pulitzer, R L DeVillez
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284.
International Journal of Dermatology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Papulonecrotic tuberculid, a skin reaction to mycobacteria, can manifest in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). This case highlights the importance of considering this rare entity in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Papulonecrotic tuberculid is a rare cutaneous reaction associated with tuberculosis.
- Its etiology remains uncertain, though treatment targeting the causative organism is effective.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male patient with AIDS presented with a widespread skin eruption.
- Skin biopsies revealed Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) organisms.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of papulonecrotic tuberculid in an AIDS patient with disseminated MAC.
- The patient exhibited predominantly pruritic eschars, and mycobacteria were confirmed in skin biopsies.
Implications:
- Papulonecrotic tuberculid should be considered in immunocompromised patients with MAC presenting with compatible clinical and histological features.
- This finding expands the known clinical spectrum of papulonecrotic tuberculid and MAC infections.
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