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Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis presenting with auditory symptoms
Miran Pankhania1, Marianne Elloy, Peter J Conboy
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, UK. pank@doctors.org.uk
BMJ Case Reports
|October 11, 2012
Summary
A rare case of tuberculosis (TB) affecting the postnasal space caused hearing loss and tinnitus in a 54-year-old woman. Prompt diagnosis via biopsy and multidisciplinary treatment led to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Progressive hearing loss and tinnitus are common otolaryngologic complaints.
- Tuberculosis (TB) typically affects the lungs but can manifest in various extrapulmonary sites.
- Postnasal space masses can present with diverse symptoms, requiring thorough investigation.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old woman presented with progressive hearing deterioration and tinnitus.
- Clinical examination of the ears, nose, and throat was initially unremarkable.
- Flexible nasoendoscopy revealed postnasal space swelling.
Findings:
- Biopsy of the postnasal swelling confirmed tuberculosis (TB).
- The findings were pathognomonic for tuberculous involvement of the postnasal space.
- This represents an unusual presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of postnasal space masses, even with atypical presentations.
- Emphasizes the role of nasoendoscopy and biopsy in diagnosing rare causes of otologic symptoms.
- Successful treatment underscores the efficacy of multidisciplinary management for complex infectious cases.
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