Two cases of erythema induratum of Bazin – a rare cutaneous manifestation of tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis remains a global disease burden, counting more than 9 million new cases per year. Tuberculosis is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex. Though most commonly affecting the lungs, any organ can become a site of tuberculous infection. Cutaneous tuberculosis is rare, representing 1-2% of all cases of tuberculosis. There are numerous different cutaneous manifestations of tuberculosis. We describe two cases of erythema induratum of Bazin, a so-called tuberculid manifestation of cutaneous TB. Both cases are patients from endemic areas. In the cases presented, there were no signs of other organs affected, and cutaneous lesions disappeared during anti-tuberculous treatment.

Tuberculous Uveitis, Erythema Induratum, and Persistent Genital Warts in a Female Patient: A Rare Case Report

“…[1] Erythema induratum of Bazin is one of these rare manifestations of TB, which is usually categorized as a form of tuberculid. [12] The lesions of erythema induratum of Bazin usually involve posterior and anterolateral aspects of the legs. In these lesions, like other tuberculids, it is too difficult to find acid-fast bacilli.…”

“…In these lesions, like other tuberculids, it is too difficult to find acid-fast bacilli. [12] Histopathology of erythema induratum often reveals lobular panniculitis with granuloma formation, vasculitis, and necrosis. [13] Although it is generally believed that a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to TB is the most common underlying cause of erythema induratum, other etiologies may also exist.…”

Molecular Characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Isolated from Cutaneous Tuberculosis Patients in China

“…Although CTB has been reported continuously during recent decades (17,18), the molecular epidemiology of CTB has not been investigated. Moreover, little is known about the relationship among strains isolated from CTB with other EPTB and/or PTB, as well as their interactions in the transmission dynamics of these 2 diseases.…”