Published online Jun 6, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i16.4007
Peer-review started: January 25, 2021
First decision: February 25, 2021
Revised: March 7, 2021
Accepted: March 23, 2021
Article in press: March 23, 2021
Published online: June 6, 2021
Tuberculosis (TB) is a widespread infectious disease, with an incidence that is increasing worldwide. Cutaneous TB (CTB) occurs rarely, accounting for less than 1% of all TB cases. Due to the clinical presentation and diagnostic difficulties, CTB is often clinically neglected and misdiagnosed.
A 32-year-old man underwent several debridement surgeries and skin flap transplantation after trauma. The wound remained unhealed, accompanied by sinus formation. According to empirical judgment, T-cell spot of TB test, and bacterial culture of pyogenic fluids, he was diagnosed with CTB due to infection with exogenous Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A comprehensive anti-TB regimen that included isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide was applied. The sinus was filled with a hydrophilic fiber-containing silver dressing, and wound-protecting sponges were applied to part of the wound. The wound healed after 40 d. No ulceration was found within 2 mo after discharge; further follow-up will be conducted.
A non-healing wound may be caused by TB infection. Comprehensive treatment of CTB is effective.
Core Tip: Cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) is rare, and thus likely to be neglected and misdiagnosed. We report the case of a middle-aged man who suffered from repeated wound ulceration within 1 year after trauma. He was subsequently diagnosed with cutaneous TB (CTB) due to infection with exogenous Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which was confirmed by empirical judgment and a series of examinations. The patient received combination treatment with dressing change. The wound healed after 40 d. This case highlights the possibility of CTB infection in wounds that do not heal over a long period, and the importance of timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of this disease.