Cutaneous Tuberculosis: Clinicopathologic Arrays and Diagnostic Challenges

Abstract

The clinicopathological manifestations of cutaneous tuberculosis are diverse. The precise diagnosis is often overlooked, due to clinical presentations as those of cutaneous diseases with different etiology and the relative paucity of the pathogens in the lesions. Meanwhile, almost all of the diagnostic methods confer lower sensitivity and specificities which augments further diagnostic challenges. This article revises the current scenario of the disease's physiopathology and underscores clinicopathological challenges, due to multifaceted presentations of cutaneous tuberculosis, in the diagnosis.

A large verrucous plaque on the buttocks: a case report of an atypical presentation of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis

“…TVC is a type of cutaneous TB with histopathological characteristics of granulomas with caseous necrosis [ 9 ]. The diagnosis relies on the demonstration of M. tuberculosis in smears or biopsies and by the culture of the organism.…”

Disseminated ulcers with sporotrichoid distribution

“…Based on the bacterial load, tuberculosis can be classified into two categories: multibacillary forms (easily detected in cutaneous tissue, as in our case) and paucibacillary forms (with few bacteria) [9].…”

Primary Cutaneous Tuberculosis Misdiagnosed as a Deep Mycotic Infection

“…In PCTB, at first an ulcer with a granular, deep red basis and indurated edges develops, then its size may be increased and the surrounding skin may have a reddish-blue hue (1). The clinical features vary markedly, so the diagnosis may be delayed (3,5,6).…”