Cutaneous Tuberculosis: Incidence and Clinicopathological Correlation

Abstract

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It presents with a wide range of clinical and histopathological features, often leading to diagnostic challenges. This study aimed to determine the incidence of CTB and evaluate the clinicopathological correlation in diagnosed cases. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 120 patients with suspected CTB. The incidence of CTB among all tuberculosis cases was found to be 2.5%. The most common clinical presentation was lupus vulgaris, followed by scrofuloderma. Histopathological examination revealed granulomatous inflammation with caseation necrosis in 80% of cases. Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining and culture confirmed the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in 60% of cases. The clinicopathological correlation was significant in 85% of cases. Early recognition and histopathological confirmation of CTB are essential for prompt management and prevention of complications.

Keywords: Cutaneous tuberculosis, Incidence, Histopathology, Granulomatous inflammation, Acid-fast bacilli, Clinicopathological correlation