Scrofuloderma from the acromioclavicular joint presenting as a chronic ulcer in an immunocompetent host

Tan WP, Tang MBY, Tan HH
Correspondence: Dr Tan WP, wptan@nsc.gov.sg

ABSTRACT
A 53-year-old woman presented with a chronic, non-healing painless ulcer over her right clavicular area of a two-month duration. Skin biopsy, microbiological and radiological investigations confirmed the diagnosis of scrofuloderma arising from an underlying tuberculous infection of her acromioclavicular joint. She was treated successfully with anti-tuberculosis therapy with complete healing of the ulcer. Awareness of this uncommon presentation of osteoarticular tuberculosis may assist in earlier diagnosis.

Keywords: acromioclavicular joint, articular tuberculosis, cutaneous tuberculosis, scrofuloderma, tuberculosis
Singapore Med J 2007; 48(9): e243–e245