Title: Beyond the Usual Sites: Primary Vulvar Tuberculosis in a Perimenopausal Patient (Case Report)
Authors: B. El Moubakkir, S. Lamsyah, N. Douzi, M. Bendahhou Idrissi, N. Mamouni, S. Errarhay, C. Bouchikhi, A. Banani
Volume: 9
Issue: 4
Pages: 74-76
Publication Date: 2025/04/28
Abstract:
Background: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a significant yet often underrecognized manifestation of tuberculosis. Vulvar tuberculosis is an extremely rare form of EPTB, presenting diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms, which can mimic other conditions such as chronic dermatologic or neoplastic disorders or sexually transmitted infections. Presentation: A 46-year-old perimenopausal woman with type II diabetes mellitus presented with a one-month history of firm, non-tender nodular lesions on her vulva and posterior vaginal wall. She had no systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or night sweats, and no history of tuberculosis exposure. Management: Histopathological analysis of the vulvar lesion biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation with caseating necrosis and the presence of acid-fast bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of vulvar tuberculosis. The patient was promptly started on standard anti-tubercular therapy, leading to improvement. Conclusion: This case highlights the rarity of primary vulvar tuberculosis and the diagnostic difficulty posed by atypical presentations. It underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of chronic vulvar lesions, particularly in immunocompromised patients like those with diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications and disease transmission.