A case of tuberculous lymphadenitis accompanying papulonecrotic tuberculid

Abstract

Lymphadenitis is a common manifestation in tuberculous diseases. However, papulonecrotic tuberculid is an uncommon cutaneous manifestation, and is considered an allergic reaction against tuberculous bacilli in tuberculous lesions other than the lymph nodes. A wide great variety of cutaneous manifestations arise over a period of a few weeks - i.e., papules, necrosis, crusted and atrophic scars. We described a 27-year-old woman with right cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis and skin lesions involving her arms, legs and both fingers. Histopathologically, a leukocytoclastic vasculitis with V-shaped epidermal necrosis was observed in the upper and deep dermis, including the good response to anti-tuberculosis therapy support the diagnosis of papulonecrotic tuberculid.