BCG vaccine-induced lupus vulgaris

Abstract

A case of intradermal BCG vaccination was complicated by a lupus-like tuberculosis cutis progressive for over 30 years. The patient had been vaccinated twice with BCG in the affected site. A review of other BCG vaccine-induced cases of lupus vulgaris indicates that the incidence of this complication is markedly increased following multiple BCG vaccinations, but is rare following a single BCG vaccination. In our patient a skin biopsy specimen was characteristic for lupus vulgaris. Acid-fast stains from the tissue and cultures from the affected site were negative. The patient was successfully treated with rifampin.

BCG‐induced lupus vulgaris complicated by squamous cell carcinoma in a 7‐year‐old child

“…In our case, the patient received only a single BCG vaccination. The time interval between immunization and clinical onset of lupus vulgaris ranges from a few months to eight years 7 with a mean of approximately one year 3 . Our patient developed a disseminated type of lupus vulgaris after about one year of vaccination.…”

“…Clinically, BCG‐induced lupus vulgaris is indistinguishable from primary lupus vulgaris. Lesion sizes range from a few millimeters to more than 10 cm in diameter 3 . Our patient had very large plaques of lupus vulgaris.…”

Lupus vulgaris in a child following BCG immunization

“…The time interval between immunization and the clinical onset of lupus vulgaris ranges from a few months to 3 years, with a mean of approximately 1 year 1,2 . Our patient was unusual in the rapidity of onset following immunization.…”

Lupus vulgaris at the site of BCG vaccination: report of three cases

“…The time interval between immunization and the clinical onset of LV ranged from a few months to 8 years, 8 with a mean of approximately 1 year 4 . Our patients were unusual because of the delayed onset of LV after immunization, although due to the indolent course of the disease, a bias in estimating the onset time cannot be excluded.…”