Lupus vulgaris and lichen scrofulosorum with disseminated tuberculosis

Abstract

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) represents only 1%–2% of extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis (TB). CTB can present in the isolation or coexist with pulmonary and disseminated forms of TB. Pathologically confirmed lupus vulgaris (LV) coexisting with lichen scrofulosorum with disseminated TB is presented and discussed. A 12-year-old boy presented with 2 years history of slowly progressive facial plaque and multiple skin colored papules on the neck. Tuberculin skin test was positive with a reading of > 20 mm. Histopathology revealed ulcerated areas with impetiginisation and keratopurulent debris. The entire skin showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with numerous granulomas in the superficial dermis consisting of Langhans-type multinucleated macrophages. Lesions responded to anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT) with residual facial scar. LV and lichen scrofulosurum are two forms of CTB which rarely occurs together. This case is being presented to highlight the occurrence of this rare presentation and the need to institute ATT to prevent scarring.

Tuberculids: A narrative review

“…Other types of cutaneous TB, such as scrofuloderma, lupus vulgaris, TB gumma, and TB verrucosa cutis,[ 37 , 38 ] as well as other tuberculids such as papulonecrotic tuberculids, erythema induratum can present along with lichen scrofulosorum. [ 39 , 40 ] Notably, transformation from papulonecrotic tuberculids to lichen scrofulosorum has been seen.…”