Cutaneous tuberculosis in Morocco

Cutaneous tuberculosis. Part I: Pathogenesis, classification, and clinical features

Tuberculosis is an ancient disease that continues to affect an estimated 10 million people per year and is responsible for 1.4 million deaths per year. Additionally, the HIV epidemic and multidrug resistance present challenges to disease control. Cutaneous tuberculosis is an uncommon, often indolent, manifestation of mycobacterial infection that has a varied presentation. Its diagnosis is challenging, as lesions mimic other, more common conditions and microbiological confirmation is often not possible. Cutaneous tuberculosis can be broadly categorized into multibacillary and paucibacillary forms. Approximately one-third of skin tuberculosis is associated with systemic involvement. By recognizing cutaneous tuberculosis early, dermatologists can play an important role in disease control. The first article in this 2-part continuing medical education series describes the latest epidemiology, microbiology, and pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Furthermore, we review the classification, clinical manifestations, common clinical differentials, and systemic involvement that occur in cutaneous tuberculosis.

Atypical cutaneous tuberculosis with an unusual course

Cutaneous tuberculosis represents the fifth extrapulmonary form in Morocco after pleural, lymph node, urogenital, and intestinal tuberculosis. It is recognized to form a continuous immunopathologic spectrum, ranging from a high intensity to a low intensity of cell-mediated immunity, which explains the multiplicity and heterogeneity of anatomo-clinical forms. Association of multiple forms in the same patient is really rare. In this regard, we report a case of scrofuloderma on axillary tuberculosis adenitis associated to a lupus vulgaris in an immunocompetent patient, which was confirmed by histology, QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, and polymerase chain reaction. He received an antituberculous therapy with clinical regression of the lesions. In conclusion, cutaneous tuberculosis is still endemic in developing countries.The diagnosis is difficult because of its clinical polymorphism. That's why it's should be suspected clinically in the presence of any destructive or verrucous skin lesion evolving without healing for a long period and confirmed by bacteriological examinations and histology.

Role of GeneXpertMTB/RIF in the diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

cutaneous involevemtn is an important extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. It is a paucibacillary condition and has diverse clinical presentations. Sufficient data is not available regarding role of GeneXpertMTB/RIF in cutanoues tuberculosis.

METHODS

in this study, BacT/Alert3D and response to antitubercular therapy were taken as gold standard and performance of GeneXpertMTB/RIF was evaluated against it in clinically and histopathologically suspected cases of cutaneous tuberculosis.

RESULTS

forty seven patients were included in the study of which commonest presentation was scrofuloderma (42.6%) followed by lupus vulgaris (40.4%). Granulomatous inflammation on histopathology was seen in 75.5% patients on skin biopsy. Sic patients had extracutaneous focus of tuberculosis. In 14 (29.79%), culture of skin biopsy was positive for M. tuberculosis and all showed complete response to ATT in 6 months. GeneXpertMTB/RIF detected M. tuberculsois in 4 samples.

CONCLUSION

GeneXpertMTB/RIF is not a reliable tool for diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis. Clinic-histopathological correlation along with response to ATT is needed for confirmation of diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis.

Climate change, human migration, and skin disease: is there a link?

Climate change, exemplified by higher average global temperatures resulting in more frequent extreme weather events, has the potential to significantly impact human migration patterns and health. The consequences of environmental catastrophes further destabilize regions with pre-existing states of conflict due to social, political, and/or economic unrest. Migrants may carry diseases from their place of origin to their destinations and once there may be susceptible to diseases in which they had not been previously exposed to. Skin diseases are among the most commonly observed health conditions observed in migrant populations. To improve awareness among dermatologists of the burden of skin diseases among migrants, the group searched the English language scientific literature to identify articles linking climate change, migration, and skin disease. Skin diseases associated with human migration fall into three major categories: (i) communicable diseases, (ii) noncommunicable diseases, and (iii) environmentally mediated diseases. Adopting comprehensive global strategies to improve the health of migrants requires urgent attention.

[A case of cutaneous tuberculosis evolving for 50 years]

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by Mycobacterium (M.) tuberculosis. It is rare in France. Clinical presentations vary, making demonstration of the cause of M. Tuberculosis difficult and rendering diagnosis and management difficult.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 58-year-old man, born in Morocco, consulted for ulceration of the right forefoot that had been present since the age of 3 years. He had previously consulted at several dermatology departments. He had undergone numerous skin biopsies and bacteriological and mycobacteriological cultures but these did not contribute to the diagnosis. Slow extension and oozing were observed over time and resulted in functional disability. Given the evocative clinical aspect and despite further negative screening for mycobacteria, anti-TB quadrotherapy was prescribed and resulted in complete cure of the lesion.

DISCUSSION

This case underscores the difficulty of diagnosing cutaneous tuberculosis. Such a diagnosis must be clinically suspected in the presence of long lasting destructive or verrucous skin lesions that fail to heal, even where cultures are negative, and anti-TB therapy should be putatively prescribed.

Lupus Vulgaris and Lichen Scrofulosorum with Disseminated Tuberculosis

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.

A 36-Year-Old Moroccan Man Presenting with Widespread Papules and Pustules

Cutaneous manifestations of tuberculosis are uncommon, can be nonspecific, and may demonstrate a wide variety of morphologies, including ulcerative papules, verrucous plaques, or nodules. We report the case of a 36-year-old Moroccan man who presented with nearly 2 years of generalized folliculocentric pustules and nodules, night sweats, and weight loss. Workup revealed necrotic right axillary lymphadenopathy, multiple ill-defined hepatic lesions, and a positive interferon-γ release assay. These findings were most consistent with papulonecrotic tuberculosis.

Cutaneous tuberculosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: description of a series of 75 cases

BACKGROUND

Brazil is one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden countries of the world. Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is a rare form of extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. This study aimed to describe the clinico-evolutive, laboratory and therapeutic aspects of CTB cases among patients from a cohort with TB in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

METHODS

Cases of diagnosed CTB with microbiologic confirmation or clinical response to anti-tuberculous treatment associated with positive smear or histopathological findings between the years 2000 and 2016 were selected.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients with CTB were included, most were women (58.7%) with a median age of 42 years. CTB diagnosis was based on culture in only 42.7% of the cases. Scrofuloderma represented 50.7% of the cases, followed by erythema induratum of Bazin (EIB) (18.7%), tuberculous gumma (13.3%), lupus vulgaris (8%), TB verrucosa cutis (4%), orificial TB (2.7%) and associated forms (2.7%). Other TB presentations were pulmonary (22.7%), mammary (6.6%) and osteoarticular (4%). All patients who completed the treatment (97.3%) had their lesions healed. Only two patients (2.6%) needed to change the therapy due to adverse reactions. Fifty percent of EIB patients presented recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

These data highlight the diversity of CTB presentations and the importance of the skin to assist in early identification and treatment of TB. More studies are necessary to improve the knowledge on EIB for a better approach towards these patients, mainly in cases of recurrence.

Cutaneous infection with paucibacillary Mycobacterium tuberculosis treated successfully with a modified antituberculous drug regimen

Tuberculosis is a serious infection that is increasing in prevalence, affecting many people worldwide. The diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis is challenging and requires the correlation of clinical findings with often inconclusive diagnostic testing. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis comprises approximately 10% of all cases of tuberculosis, and cutaneous tuberculosis makes up only a small proportion of these cases. Discussed here is the case of a 61-year-old immunocompetent female with a large cutaneous lesion on her index finger secondary to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Tissue cultures taken at biopsy were negative; however, empiric antimycobacterial therapy was initiated. The initial regimen was not tolerated, and antituberculous therapy was substituted for moxifloxacin and clarithromycin. The lesion improved significantly with a concurrent improvement in function.

Rare cutaneous tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa developed on discoid lupus erythematous lesion

Lupus vulgaris is a common presentation of cutaneous tuberculosis (TB), but its ulcerative or vegetating form also called vorax is rare.We report a case of lupus vulgaris in its vorax form, which occurred in a patient with discoid lupus erythematous. A 42-year-old patient monitored for chronic lupus erythematosus consulted again for a facial tumor and fever. Physical examination revealed painful ulcerative and crusted lesions on an old discoid lupus lesion and covered the entire upper lip. Similar lesions were noted on cheeks. Moreover, there were cervical lymphadenopathy, a bilateral pulmonary condensation syndrome, and dysphonia. Cutaneous histopathology had revealed a tuberculoid granuloma without caseating, and nucleic acid amplification tests (GeneXpert®) performed on sputum were positive. Thus, the diagnosis of multifocal TB with skin involvement of vorax type was confirmed. The outcome was favorable following TB treatment. Our observation is distinctive as it is a granulomatosis and ulcerative form of lupus vulgaris, which occurred on a discoid lupus erythematous lesion. This is a rare form of lupus vulgaris. This scarcity can be explained by diagnostic difficulties as there are numerous differential diagnoses and histopathology is not often helpful.

CUTANEOUS TUBERCULOSIS: A 26-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN AN ENDEMIC AREA OF TUBERCULOSIS, VITÓRIA, ESPÍRITO SANTO, BRAZIL

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis is a serious health problem in Brazil so that the knowledge on the aspects of cutaneous tuberculosis is medically important.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the characteristics of patients with cutaneous tuberculosis treated at the Cassiano Antonio Moraes University Hospital, located in the city of Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study using the medical records of 29 patients with cutaneous tuberculosis treated at the Dermatology and Pulmonology services of the hospital from 1986 to 2011. The inclusion criterion was the confirmation of cutaneous tuberculosis taking into account clinical, epidemiological, immunological, and bacteriological findings, as well as the response to specific treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 29 studied patients; 18 (62%) were women with average age of 37 years; the predominant clinical condition was erythema induratum of Bazin in 12 (41.4%) cases; and the cutaneous lesions were in the lower limbs in 19 (65.8%) patients. Extra-cutaneous involvement occurred in eight (27.6%) cases. The tuberculin tests were positive in 15 (79%) individuals and the assessment of the infectious agent was negative in most of the investigated cases.

CONCLUSION

The study found a low frequency (0.44%) of cutaneous tuberculosis in an endemic area of tuberculosis. There was a predominance of infection in women aged thirty to forty years. Erythema induratum was the most common clinical condition, affecting mainly the lower limbs, in contrast to other Brazilian studies that found scrofuloderma as the most common manifestation, predominating in the cervical region of male children and adolescents.

[Cutaneous tuberculosis of the ear due to Mycobacterium bovis]

INTRODUCTION

Isolated cutaneous tuberculosis is uncommon, accounting for only 0.14 to 5% of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. We report a rare case of ear cutaneous tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis in an immunocompetent woman.

CASE REPORT

A 59-year-old woman presented an erythematous and scaly lesion of the ear present for two years. The histological findings were compatible with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, with non-necrotic granuloma. After failure of dermal corticosteroid therapy, a further biopsy identified M. bovis; the patient was cured following anti-tubercular treatment.

DISCUSSION

Ear lesions are predominantly associated with tumors, fungal infections, chondritis, lupus and sarcoidosis. The ear, like the face in general, is a classic localization of lupus vulgaris, a chronic form of confined tuberculosis infection with progressive evolution. The paucibacillary nature of these lesions is the reason why their diagnosis is based in some cases on clinical, histological and immunological findings without bacteriological evidence. However, given the potential therapeutic implications, it is important to push the microbiological analysis as far as possible. In our case, culture and identification provided evidence of M. bovis infection, enabling suitable and effective therapy to be given.

Tuberculosis and Leprosy: Classical Granulomatous Diseases in the Twenty-First Century

Leprosy and tuberculosis are chronic mycobacterial infections that elicit granulomatous inflammation. Both infections are curable, but granulomatous injury to cutaneous structures, including cutaneous nerves in leprosy, may cause permanent damage. Both diseases are major global concerns: tuberculosis for its high prevalence and mortality, and leprosy for its persistent global presence and high rate of neuropathic disability. Cutaneous manifestations of both leprosy and tuberculosis are frequently subtle and challenging in dermatologic practice and often require a careful travel and social history and a high index of suspicion.

Cutaneous tuberculosis overview and current treatment regimens

Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases known to humankind and it is currently a worldwide threat with 8-9 million new active disease being reported every year. Among patients with co-infection of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis is ultimately responsible for the most deaths. Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is uncommon, comprising 1-1.5% of all extra-pulmonary tuberculosis manifestations, which manifests only in 8.4-13.7% of all tuberculosis cases. A more accurate classification of CTB includes inoculation tuberculosis, tuberculosis from an endogenous source and haematogenous tuberculosis. There is furthermore a definite distinction between true CTB caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and CTB caused by atypical mycobacterium species. The lesions caused by mycobacterium species vary from small papules (e.g. primary inoculation tuberculosis) and warty lesions (e.g. tuberculosis verrucosa cutis) to massive ulcers (e.g. Buruli ulcer) and plaques (e.g. lupus vulgaris) that can be highly deformative. Treatment options for CTB are currently limited to conventional oral therapy and occasional surgical intervention in cases that require it. True CTB is treated with a combination of rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, isoniazid and streptomycin that is tailored to individual needs. Atypical mycobacterium infections are mostly resistant to anti-tuberculous drugs and only respond to certain antibiotics. As in the case of pulmonary TB, various and relatively wide-ranging treatment regimens are available, although patient compliance is poor. The development of multi-drug and extremely drug-resistant strains has also threatened treatment outcomes. To date, no topical therapy for CTB has been identified and although conventional therapy has mostly shown positive results, there is a lack of other treatment regimens.

Primary musculoskeletal mycobacterium infection with large cystic masses after total hip arthroplasty

Primary mycobacterial infections in the musculoskeletal system are rare with a limited number of published case reports. This report describes a case involving a primary musculoskeletal tuberculous abscess. A 62-year-old male patient who had a right total hip arthroplasty performed 8 years earlier, using metal-on-metal articulation presented with a 1-year history of non-tender masses on his right thigh. Initially, it was assumed he had metallosis. Intraoperatively, an incision into the mass was conducted which resulted in draining of a whitish-grey pus like fluid. A diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed with both microscopic and histological examination. The patient was treated over a course of six months with an anti-tuberculosis medication regimen following the confirmation of a solitary soft tissue tuberculosis infection. At the 24 month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with no relapse of the mass.

Cutaneous tuberculosis in children

Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that accounts for 1% to 2% of cases. Childhood skin tuberculosis represents 18% to 82% of all cutaneous tuberculosis cases. Scrofuloderma and lupus vulgaris are the two most common clinical forms in children. An increase in the number of tuberculids, especially lichen scrofulosorum, has been observed in the last several years. Cutaneous tuberculosis in children can be severe and have a protracted course. Multiplicity of lesions and multifocal disseminated involvement in scrofuloderma and lupus vulgaris is common. Scrofuloderma progressing to gummatous lesions (scrofulous gumma) is mostly described in children. Morbidities and deformities are more severe in children.

[Cutaneous tuberculosis in an area of Mallorca (2003-2011)]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Tuberculosis is an important health care problem, even in our setting. The objective of this study is to describe clinic and epidemiological features of cutaneous tuberculosis in our area.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed of all patients diagnosed of cutaneous tuberculosis in a hospital in Mallorca (Spain) from January 2003 to July 2011. The clinical forms, diagnostic methods used, treatment used and clinical course were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight cases of cutaneous tuberculosis were diagnosed (5.9% of the tuberculosis cases diagnosed in this period), 15 with classic cutaneous tuberculosis (14 scrofuloderma, 1 empyema necessitatis) and 13 patients with tuberculids (8 erythema induratum of Bazin disease and 5 erythema nodosum). Scrofulodermas came from lymph nodes in 10 of the patients, infected bone in 4 and pleural in one case; 13/28 patients came from other continents. Most of the patients were treatment with 3-4 tuberculostatic drugs, with favorable course.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutaneous tuberculosis is not uncommon in our setting. In classic cutaneous tuberculosis culture is the gold standard diagnostic method while tuberculids are most commonly diagnosed by histology.

A case of lupus vulgaris with rare localization diagnosed 30 years after onset

Cutaneous tuberculosis (tuberculosis cutis) is one of the extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis, which may affect the skin only or co-exist with tuberculosis of other organs, particularly the lungs. We describe a case of lupus vulgaris in a 72-year-old male patient with a single lesion localized on his lower extremity, developing for 30 years before correct diagnosis and previously treated with topical steroids. Bacillus infection in other organs was not detected. Diagnosis of tuberculosis was made based on personal history, clinical picture, hypersensitivity to tuberculin, histopathology and polymerase chain reaction. A multidrug therapy with rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide resulted in regression of the lesion. The common lack of knowledge about the clinical picture of cutaneous tuberculosis causes its late diagnosis and treatment.

[Suppurations of the perineal and gluteal region: An aetiological study of 60 cases]

BACKGROUND

The gluteal region is a complex area of the body that may be the seat of several diseases with dermatological manifestations. The purpose of this series was to study the aetiological profile of suppurative lesions of the gluteal region in patients in Morocco.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out on patients presenting suppuration of the gluteal region hospitalised in our department between 1987 and 2008. The epidemiological, clinical and aetiological data for 60 cases were reviewed. Skin biopsies with bacterial, fungal and histological studies, as well as bacterial and fungal cultures of pus and anorectal examination, were performed for all patients.

RESULTS

We examined the files for 44 males and 16 females; mean age was 44 years (range: 13 to 70 years) and the average duration of illness was 6.5 years. The various aetiologies were as follows: hidradenitis suppurativa (27 cases), cutaneous tuberculosis (10 cases), Crohn's disease (nine cases), phlegmon-carbuncle (eight cases), tumours (four cases) and deep mycosis (two cases). Medical and surgical treatments were aetiological.

DISCUSSION

There are various aetiologies of suppurations of the gluteal region. In Morocco, hidradenitis suppurativa, cutaneous tuberculosis and Crohn's disease are the most frequent causes. Multidisciplinary management is essential.

Presumed localized tuberculous inflammation after periocular procedures

PURPOSE

To report 4 rare cases of periocular presumed tuberculosis that developed after eyelid and lacrimal drainage surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective, interventional case series. Review of clinical, laboratory, photographic, and radiologic records of patients with presumed tuberculous inflammation after periocular procedures.

RESULTS

Four patients had periocular presumed tuberculosis after blepharoplasty, dacryocystorhinostomy, and intracanalicular lacrimal plug insertion. Diagnosis was made by characteristic histopathologic findings, acid-fast bacilli staining, polymerase chain reaction results, or response to therapeutic trial. All of the patients underwent antituberculosis chemotherapy for a minimum of 9 months and all recovered. Ectropion and eyelid retraction complicated 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Unresponsiveness of chronic inflammation to conventional treatment after periocular procedures should arouse the clinical suspicion of localized tuberculosis, particularly in endemic areas or in patients who have a tuberculosis history or recent exposure. For presumed eyelid tuberculosis without evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the clinical diagnosis and therapeutic trials could be considered cautiously especially in countries with an intermediate or high tuberculosis burden. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent the sequelae of tuberculosis infection.