Cutaneous tuberculosis. Part II: Complications, diagnostic workup, histopathologic features, and treatment

Despite the availability of effective treatment regimens for cutaneous tuberculosis, delayed diagnosis, infection with multi-drug resistant Mycobacterial strains, and co-infection with HIV present challenges to disease control. A delay in diagnosis can be mitigated by adequate sensitization of dermatologists to the clinical signs and symptoms, and incorporation of appropriate tests for diagnosis. All cases of cutaneous tuberculosis should be confirmed with histopathology, culture with or without molecular testing. Additionally, in each case, a thorough evaluation for systemic involvement is necessary. Mycobacteria may not be isolated from cutaneous tuberculosis lesions and therefore, a trial of antituberculosis treatment may be required to confirm the diagnosis. The second article in this 2-part continuing medical education series describes the sequelae, histopathology, and treatment of tuberculosis.