Tuberculosis cutis colliquativa

Last Updated: 2019-08-26

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

Skrofuloderm, Skrophuloderm, Scrofuloderm, Skrophuloderm.

Cutaneous tuberculosis form which can lead to melting and subcutaneous fistula formation. 

Especially in immunocompromised patients and the elderly as well as children.

Especially per continuitatem (in organ tuberculosis), more rarely exogenous, developing skin tuberculosis.

  • Disseminated, livid, indolent nodules at various sites. Ulceration, fistula formation and emptying as well as perforation may occur.
  • To exclude system involvement:
  • Thorax X-ray or CT thorax.

  • Sonography of the abdomen and kidneys.
  • In the morning (fasting up to 4h) on 3 consecutive days sputum must be collected.

  • In the morning, give urine on 3 consecutive days (fluid restriction the evening before!).

  • Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). 

  • Medical history.
  • Clinic.
  • Thorax X-ray or CT thorax.

  • Sonography of the abdomen and kidneys.

  • Biopsy.
  • Tuberculin test (Mendel-Mantoux).
  • Quantiferon test. 

  • Cervical.

Central colliquation necroses and peripheral tuberculoid granulomas are visible.
  

  • Scarred healing.
  • Recurrent node eruptions possible. 

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  2. Sutor GC, Ockenga J, Kirschner P, Schatzle C, Mendila M, Jendro M et al. Tuberculosis cutis colliquativa during long-term immunosuppressive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 1997;40:188-90.
  3. Garb J. Tuberculosis cutis colliquativa (tuberculous gummas) healed rapidly with local application of promin jelly; report of a case. Arch Derm Syphilol 1948;58:308-13.
  4. Cecchi R, Giomi A , Innocenti F. Guess what! Scrofuloderma (tuberculosis colliquativa cutis) of the left foot. Eur J Dermatol 1998;8:67-8.
  5. Tur E, Brenner S , Meiron Y. Scrofuloderma (tuberculosis colliquativa cutis). Br J Dermatol 1996;134:350-2.