[Pharyngeal tuberculosis: Case report]

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, with extrapulmonary manifestations being less common.
• In Argentina, pediatric TB cases (under 19) were 1752 in 2012, with only 12.15% exhibiting extrapulmonary involvement.
• Pharyngeal tuberculosis is an exceptionally rare presentation of this infectious disease.

Observation:

• A 17-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of intermittent fever and odynophagia (difficulty swallowing).
• Symptoms were unresponsive to standard antibiotic therapies, prompting further investigation.
• Chest X-ray revealed bilateral micronodular infiltrates, leading to hospitalization for diagnostic workup and treatment.

Findings:

• Sputum analysis for acid-fast bacilli was positive.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis was successfully isolated from sputum culture, confirming the diagnosis.
• The patient received a four-drug antituberculous regimen, resulting in symptom resolution and clinical improvement.

Implications:

• Pharyngeal tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic pharyngitis, especially when unresponsive to conventional treatments.
• Persistent sore throat and dysphagia in endemic areas warrant a high index of suspicion for tuberculosis.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate multidrug therapy are essential for managing this rare extrapulmonary TB manifestation.