Perianal ulceration in a "healthy" Chinese man with disseminated tuberculosis

A rare presentation of a common disease: orificial tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a common condition with increasing incidence worldwide. Clinicians should be aware of cutaneous manifestations, even though these are uncommon, as recognition can lead to early diagnosis. Here, we present a case of orificial tuberculosis in a young HIV-negative man.

Perianal ulceration: a case of tuberculosis cutis orificialis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis cutis orificialis is an extremely rare variant of cutaneous tuberculosis. Perianal location is a possible site of presentation.

METHODS

We describe the management of a young male with a painless non-specific perianal ulcer, who presented an asymptomatic disseminate pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis. He had a history of pulmonary sarcoidosis and long-term corticosteroid therapy.

RESULTS

Healing of the ulcer was achieved after three-drug antituberculous therapy, with an improvement of the radiographic pulmonary alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculous origin should be considered in persistent perianal ulcers to avoid delays in the treatment of this rare form of tuberculosis.