Comprehensive findings on clinical, bacteriological, histopathological and therapeutic aspects of cutaneous tuberculosis

Abstract

Summaryobjective To define the bacteriological and histological correlates of the three predominant clinical forms of cutaneous tuberculosis and to evaluate the efficacy of a 9-month daily regimen containing rifampicin and isoniazid.methods In the dermatological clinics of two major teaching hospitals in Chennai, 213 patients with suspected clinical manifestations of cutaneous tuberculosis underwent examination and a skin biopsy for bacteriological and histological tests. They were treated with a daily regimen of rifampicin and isoniazid for 9 months and follow-up for 3 years.results Bacteriological and/or histological confirmation of tuberculosis was obtained in 88% of the cases. Lupus vulgaris lesions were seen mainly in the extremities and verrucosa cutis occurred predominantly on the sole and foot, while the cervical and axillary regions were the commonest sites for scrofuloderma. Ninety-two per cent of the patients showed resolution of the lesions within the first 6 months of chemotherapy; 1% failed to respond to this regimen. There was no relapse in any of the cases during the follow-up period of 3 years.conclusions Clinical findings were adequate to identify major forms of cutaneous tuberculosis as evidenced by bacteriological and histopathological examination. A daily regimen of rifampicin and isoniazid for 9 months was effective in treating cutaneous tuberculosis.

Cutaneous Tuberculosis and AIDS Diagnosis: A Case Report

“…Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is a rare form of extrapulmonary involvement and may arise secondary to lung disease or by direct inoculation of the bacillus on the skin. It represents 1.5% of all forms of disease [3], accounting for 0.04% to 2% of all dermatological conditions [4]. Among HIV positive patients, TB is 9 to 16 times higher [5] and the clinical The case in discussion highlights the importance of excluding CTB in imunocompromised patients presenting skin lesions.…”

Cutaneous Tuberculosis: A Differential for Chronic Nonhealing Ulcer

“…4 The patients treated with standard anti-tubercular regimen responded well to treatment and had no recurrence on follow up of 1-3 years. 5,6 CONCLUSION: Cutaneous tuberculosis should be kept as a differential diagnosis for chronic nonhealing ulcer, even in the absence of evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis. Appropriate diagnosis may need a repeat skin biopsy.…”

The skin in general medicine

“…4,5 Immunity is usually high, leading to destruction of bacilli which are therefore not usually demonstrable on skin lesions.…”