Erythema Induratum in a Young Woman with Latent Tuberculosis: A Case Report.

Abstract

Erythema induratum of Bazin (EIB) is a rare, immune-mediated panniculitis historically associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Reports linking erythema induratum to latent tuberculosis (TB), particularly without active pulmonary disease, remain limited. We describe a 24-year-old Malaysian woman with multiple nodules on both lower legs. She had a significant family history of tuberculosis, as her father had been treated for pulmonary TB more than 10 years ago. Histopathology revealed lobular granulomatous panniculitis with vasculitis and fat necrosis. The Mantoux test was positive, but chest imaging ruled out active TB. Based on clinical and histological findings, she was treated for latent TB infection (LTBI) with antituberculosis therapy, which resulted in no further new lesions, while existing lesions showed crusting within two months. This case highlights the importance of considering latent TB in patients presenting with erythema induratum, particularly in TB-endemic regions, even in the absence of clinical or radiological evidence of active disease.