skip to main content

Lupus Vulgaris — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardTuberculosisLupus VulgarisSCE Infectious Diseases

A chronic plaque from a TB-endemic setting shows granulomas and scant acid-fast bacilli. Which diagnostic plan best confirms suspected cutaneous tuberculosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: ESend fresh tissue for mycobacterial culture and molecular testing while correlating histology, exposure and systemic assessment with review after review

The best answer is “Send fresh tissue for mycobacterial culture and molecular testing while correlating histology, exposure and systemic assessment with review after review”. Cutaneous TB is paucibacillary and requires integrated microbiology and histology; morphology alone is not sufficiently specific. “Diagnose leprosy without sensory examination or species testing” does not match the decisive clinical feature or cited guidance. “Call it a foreign-body granuloma despite acid-fast organisms” does not match the decisive clinical feature or cited guidance. “Diagnose sarcoidosis because granulomas are present” does not match the decisive clinical feature or cited guidance. “Use leishmania serology alone” does not match the decisive clinical feature or cited guidance.

Reference: NICE NG33 tuberculosis recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng33/chapter/Recommendations