Bartholin gland tuberculosis: a case report in Madagascar
Rakoto-Ratsimba, H.N.; Samison, L.H.; Razafimahandry, H.J.; Rakotomalala, V.N.; Ranaivozanany, A.
Medecine Tropicale Revue du Corps de Sante Colonial 63(6): 608-610
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-682X PMID: 15077425 Document Number: 553488
Female genital tuberculosis is relatively frequent in developing countries. Most cases occur in young women of childbearing age. The most common locations are the tubes, endometrium, and ovaries. Bartholin gland involvement is rare. The purpose of this report is to present a case of Bartholin gland tuberculosis in a 50 year-old woman and to describe the special epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features associated with this location. Bartholinitis develops insidiously until spontaneous fistula formation. The lesion then gradually assumes a vegetative appearance that persists despite antibiotic treatment. Diagnosis requires biopsy findings demonstrating the presence of granulomatous tissue with caseous necrosis. Patients respond favorably to specific medical treatment. The recent spread of human immunodeficiency virus has increased the need to continue and improve efforts to control turberculosis particularly in endemic zones.