Introduction

Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis, and its most common form is lupus vulgaris.

Case report

A 70-year-old woman was admitted to the Department of Dermatology with the diagnosis of oedematous erythematous lesions involving the skin of the left auricle and accompanied by a burning sensation, which had been recurrent for many years. Allergic reaction, fungal infections and borrelial lymphocytoma were excluded. Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy specimen twice revealed granulomatous inflammation with the formation of “naked” granulomas suggesting sarcoidosis, however not excluding cutaneous tuberculosis. Quantiferon test, polymerase chain reaction examination and direct bacterioscopy were negative. The mycobacteria culture was positive. Following pulmonological consultation, treatment with antitubercular drugs was introduced, resulting in the resolution of skin lesions.

Conclusions

“Turkey ear” is a term used to describe the clinical manifestation of oedematous erythematous lesions located within the earlobe which are seen in lupus vulgaris. In view of the increasing prevalence of tuberculosis the condition must be taken into consideration in the differential diagnostic work-up, as delayed diagnosis may lead to an increase risk of fatal consequences.