SCROFULODERMA WITH OSTEOARTICULAR TUBERCULOSIS IN THE SANITARY AREA OF FERROL

Introduction. Scrofuloderma results from direct extension of an underlying tuberculous focus such as bone, joint or even the epydidimus to the overlying skin, but is more frequent over a lymph node, mainly in the cervical region. Methods. We analysed all cases of scrofuloderma with a bone or joint focus evaluated in the sanitary area of Ferrol, with a current population of 220,000, during a 15-year period. We describe the clinical, histopathological, and microbiological data of patients. Results. We found 6 cases of scrofuloderma with osteoarticular tuberculosis. This series includes five men and one woman, aged 37 to 80. Visceral involvement was found in 3 patients (50 %). Conclusion. Osteoarticular tuberculosis comprises 10 % of all extrapulmonary tuberculous infections. There is a high probability of visceral involvement in patients with scrofuloderma. Underlying bone involvement should be rule out in all patients with scrofuloderma, especially in those with incomplete response to medical treatment.