Myriad presentations of cutaneous tuberculosis: A case series from a rural tertiary hospital

Abstract

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB), a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis (TB), often mimics other dermatological conditions, leading to diagnostic delays and prolonged morbidity¹. This case series presents seven patients with varied CTB manifestations initially misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis, tinea corporis, actinomycosis, and Hansen's disease. Final diagnoses were established through clinical evaluation, histopathology, and therapeutic response to anti-tubercular therapy (ATT). The role of cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) was also explored where feasible². All patients responded well to ATT. Increased awareness of CTB presentations is essential for timely diagnosis and management.

Keywords: Anti-tubercular therapy; CBNAAT; Cutaneous tuberculosis; Diagnostic challenges; Histopathology; Misdiagnosis.