Clinical Spectrum of Cutaneous Tuberculosis in Central India

Abstract

Introduction: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a significant health problem in both developing and developed countries. In India, cutaneous TB constitutes about 0.1% to 2% of the total skin diseases attending outpatients. Aim and objectives: To study the clinical spectrum and therapeutic outcome in cutaneous TB. Material and Methods: Medical records of diagnosed cases of cutaneous TB from June 2015 to June 2018 were analyzed retrospectively with respect to epidemiology, clinical features, investigations, and treatment outcome. Statistical analysis was done using mean, median, and proportion. Results: Fifty-two patients with cutaneous TB were recruited. Females (61.53%) outnumbered males. The most common age group affected was 21–30 years (32.69%) followed by 41–50 years (30%). Lupus vulgaris was the most common clinical type with head and neck being the most common site of involvement. Mantoux positivity was reported in 67.30% of patients while raised ESR in 71.15% of patients. Two patients had serology positive for HIV. Conclusive evidence of TB on histopathology was reported in 86.53%. Excellent response was observed in cases of lupus vulgaris, scrofuloderma, and tuberculosis verrucosa cutis. Conclusion: This retrospective analysis emphasizes the importance of clinicopathological correlation and therapeutic response in cutaneous TB. Although positive results of ESR, Mantoux reactivity, and TB cultures facilitate the clinical diagnosis, negative results should not exclude the diagnosis of cutaneous TB. This prominent case detection in the era of the Revised National TB Control Programme, in short period of time signifies health burden of cutaneous TB in this part of Maharashtra.

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis: A case report

“…[5][6][7]9,15,16 This disease is generally found in areas prone to trauma, such as extremities. 17 This disease often occurs in health workers, laboratory workers, farmers, butchers, and infected children through contact with contaminated soil. 10 TBC commonly infects the lungs, so in patients with tuberculosis verrucosa cutis, a chest x-ray is required to look for focal infection.…”

Cutaneous Manifestations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Literature Review

“…Upon diascopy, apple jelly nodules are usually found [ 45 ]. Two retrospective studies, one conducted in China and the other in central India, found lupus vulgaris to be the most common clinical manifestation of CTB at rates of 32.7% and 51.92%, respectively [ 50 , 51 ]. Metastatic tuberculous abscess, otherwise known as a tuberculous gumma, manifests as multiple, non-tender skin nodules on the trunk, extremities, or head that may ulcerate to form a discharging sinus tract.…”

Metastatic Tuberculous Abscess and Papulonecrotic Tuberculid Developing During Chemotherapy in a Post-Surgical Case of Carcinoma of Breast

“…Recent reports show an increase in incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis, constituting up to 0.9% of all outpatient cases. [ 1 ]…”