[Laryngeal tuberculosis simulating epiglottitis--a case report]

Adult epiglottitis is an otolaryngological emergency. Under proper antibiotic therapy, however, most cases recover rapidly. This is a report of a case in which clinical findings indicated acute epiglottitis, but which showed no improvement with antibiotic therapy when treated by a local medical doctor for three weeks. Following the immediate application of a fiberoptic and microscopic direct laryngoscope with biopsy, an accurate diagnosis was established, i.e. laryngeal tuberculosis. After receiving the appropriate antituberculous therapy for just one week, the patient's symptoms improved dramatically.