Disseminated lupus vulgaris
Gisondi, P.; Perez, M.; Gubinelli, E.; Cocuroccia, B.; Fazio, M.; Girolomoni, G.
European Journal of Dermatology Ejd 13(5): 500-502
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1167-1122 PMID: 14693500 Document Number: 562882
Lupus vulgaris is the most common form of cutaneous tuberculosis, and usually presents as a solitary lesion on the face. We report two patients with multiple lesions on different skin areas. The first patient presented a diffuse involvement of the right foot, and reddish-brown plaques on the right leg, the back and the face. Spreading of the lesions followed a prolonged application of topical corticosteroids. The second patient showed a large plaque on the nape and occipital area resulting in scarring alopecia, and plaques on the right inguinal and thigh regions. Ziehl-Neelsen staining was negative in both cases, but diagnosis was supported by histology and polymerase chain reaction analysis. No visceral involvement was present. Antituberculosis polychemotherapy was rapidly effective.