Publication:

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis: case report of a diagnostic challenge

Cutaneous tuberculosis occurs by either exogenous inoculation in a previously sensitized or non-immune host or endogenous spread from an internal focus by contiguous, hematogenous or lymphatic route. Inoculation occurs at sites of minor wounds or abrasions, sometimes from the patient’s own sputum. Cutaneous tuberculosis includes lupus vulgaris and tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (TVC) at one end and scrofuloderma and tuberculosis cutis orificialis at the other end with decrease in cell-mediated immunity across the spectrum. Of various cutaneous forms, we report a case of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis in a 14 year old girl who presented with a hyperpigmented verrucous plaque over foot since three years. Histopathological characteristics, GeneXpert and response to antitubercular therapy confirmed the diagnosis.