Coexistence of tuberculous chancre on a chronic nonhealing wound and bilateral submandibular scrofuloderma

Abstract

Cutaneous tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis with varied clinical features depending on the dissemination route and host immune status. Scrofuloderma is a type of cutaneous tuberculosis that often occurs in locations where there is an infected lymph node or bone underneath, whereas tuberculous chancre often appears in sites that are prone to trauma. Although several cases have been reported, the coexistence of more than one type of cutaneous tuberculosis is very rare. We report a 21-year-old immunocompetent male with a chronic nonhealing lesion on the left tibia followed by bilateral purulent ulcers on the submandibular area. Acid-fast bacilli examination was positive for M. tuberculosis, and the patient was diagnosed with tuberculous chancre and scrofuloderma, respectively. This case showed the importance of high clinical suspicion of cutaneous tuberculosis and the possibility of the coexistence of more than one type of cutaneous tuberculosis in order to avoid misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.