Multiple Metastatic Tuberculosis Abscesses and Pott's Disease in an Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report

Metastatic tuberculous abscess (tuberculous gumma) is a rare form of cutaneous tuberculosis. A 16 years old female presented with painless cutaneous swelling at her neck and right thigh. She also suffered from back pain. She was diagnosed as soft tissue abscess according to ultrasound findings. These abscesses were painless and fluctuant. Chest computed tomography revealed an abscess involving the chest wall and the paravertebral area. Smear and sputum culture were negative for M. tuberculosis. In addition, smears and cultures of the abscess were negative for bacteria and fungi. There was no history of tuberculosis and no contact with patients with contagious tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis grew in the abscess culture. She was diagnosed as tuberculous gumma and Pott's disease. The patient recovered after antituberculous treatment. Subcutaneous abscess should be considered as tuberculosis abscess based on the negative smear and nonspecific culture results of pus.