A case of hard palate perforation

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oral Pathology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
• While pulmonary TB is most common, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) affects various organs and can be challenging to diagnose due to non-specific symptoms.
• High clinical suspicion is crucial for identifying EPTB, especially in TB-endemic regions.

Observation:

• A rare case of hard palate perforation is presented.
• The patient's clinical presentation mimicked other oral pathologies, underscoring the diagnostic challenge of EPTB.
• The perforation was ultimately identified as tuberculous in origin.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination confirmed granulomatous inflammation consistent with tuberculosis.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive, confirming the diagnosis.
• This case illustrates a unique and uncommon presentation of EPTB.

Implications:

• This case emphasizes the importance of considering EPTB in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions, even those with seemingly unrelated presentations.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis of EPTB is vital for effective treatment and preventing disease progression.
• The use of diagnostic tools like PCR can aid in the rapid identification of tuberculous infections, even in unusual sites.