A case of scrofuloderma of the axilla presenting as hidradenitis suppurativa: A case report

Abstract

Scrofuloderma is an uncommon cutaneous presentation of tuberculosis. It can be difficult to diagnose, as it can mimic various skin conditions, including hidradenitis suppurativa. We report a case of a 46-year-old female refugee patient with a history of nodules and sinus tracts in the left axilla treated for many years as hidradenitis suppurativa in her home country who was later found to have scrofuloderma. The diagnosis was based on a positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction from an ultrasound-guided aspiration. Further investigation excluded pulmonary tuberculosis. In cases with an atypical presentation of hidradenitis suppurativa, imaging, along with histological and microbiologic examination are warranted to exclude scrofuloderma.