Case report: sporotrichoid form of lupus vulgaris

Lupus vulgaris, a common form of cutaneous tuberculosis, usually has different patterns including the plaque form, ulcerative and mutilating form, vegetative form, tumor-like form, and papular and nodular form. Lupus vulgaris commonly appears on the normal skin as a solitary lesion. However, certain uncommon forms are identified that pose a diagnostic dilemma. Sporotrichoidlike spread has been rarely reported. Atypical presentations of cutaneous tuberculosis are not very uncommon but are frequently overlooked in the clinical practice, leading to a late diagnosis and increased morbidity. We report two cases of lupus vulgaris with a sporotrichoid pattern. Our patients presented with the characteristic morphologic features of lupus vulgaris (LV) in a different distribution pattern. The diagnosis was supported by laboratory investigations, histopathological examination, and an excellent response to antitubercular therapy. Both cases demonstrated a linear arrangement of lesions mimicking sporotrichosis. We emphasize that cutaneous tuberculosis can occur in an unusual form in an immunocompetent person. The aim of this communication is to bring this often overlooked but definitely curable clinical entity to attention.