Multiple Cutaneous Tuberculous Abscess: A Case Report

Cutaneous tuberculosis is a relatively rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. It usually manifests secondary to haematogenous spread or from an underlying focus of infection. We report a case of multiple tuberculous abscesses without any primary focus. A 26-year-old female, presented with polyarthalgia since four months and multiple abscesses over the body since three months. No response was seen after taking various courses of antibiotics and analgesics, which was misdiagnosed as bacterial abscesses. Skin biopsy showed multiple epitheloid cell granulomas with multinucleated giant cells suggestive of tuberculosis. After treating the patient with antitubercular therapy, complete resolution of the lesions occurred within four weeks. Tuberculosis with unusual presentations is common in endemic countries like India. A high index of suspicion with regard to cutaneous tuberculosis presenting as multiple abscess and nodule without any underlying lesion is essential