Pulmonary tuberculosis presenting with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Abstract

This case report deals with a rare association: tuberculosis and cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient was a 36-year-old man with no significant past medical problems. He presented with a palpable purpura on both legs, low-grade fever, cough and expectoration, progressive dyspnea due to a massive left pleural effusion and a symmetric swelling on his ankles and wrists. Skin biopsy yielded a histological diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis and the primary diagnosis was only achieved after performing a pleural biopsy, which unequivocally showed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This case shares many features with the few cases already reported in the medical literature. Possible pathogenic mechanisms are reviewed and discussed in detail.