Diagnosis of cutaneous mycobacterial spindle cell pseudotumor in the absence of typical inflammatory cells: a case report

Mycobacterial spindle cell pseudotumor (MSP) is a non-neoplastic condition that is characterized by spindle-shaped histiocytes colonized by mycobacteria. MSP is most commonly diagnosed in the immunocompromised and, while MSP can occur throughout the body, the most common sites of MSP involvement are the lymph nodes and the skin. To diagnose MSP, histopathological analysis typically demonstrates the presence of inflammatory cells, in addition to spindle cells and the unequivocal mycobacteria, which guides the diagnosis away from potential neoplasms. If properly diagnosed and treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy, patients tend to experience almost complete resolution of their symptoms. MSP is a rare condition; to our knowledge, there have only been 11 documented cases of cutaneous MSP, including the one introduced in this report. Here, we present a unique case of a 50-year-old female on chronic immunosuppressive therapy diagnosed with cutaneous MSP in the absence of inflammatory cells on pathology.

Automated summary

MSP is a non-neoplastic condition characterized by spindle-shaped histiocytes colonized by mycobacteria, commonly diagnosed in the immunocompromised. It most frequently affects the lymph nodes and skin. Proper diagnosis through histopathological analysis and antibiotic therapy can lead to almost complete resolution of symptoms.