Laryngeal tuberculosis: about 04 cases

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Laryngeal tuberculosis is an uncommon manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
• Its nonspecific clinical presentation poses diagnostic challenges, often leading to differential diagnoses with neoplastic conditions.

Observation:

• A retrospective study analyzed 4 cases (3 male, 1 female, average age 35) of laryngeal tuberculosis over three years.
• Clinical, radiological (cervical CT scan), and histological (laryngoscopy with biopsy) data were collected.
• Progressive onset and specific topographical locations (epiglottis, vocal cords, posterior commissure) were noted.

Findings:

• Cervical CT scans aided diagnosis in 3 cases.
• Anatomopathological examination confirmed tuberculosis in all cases.
• All patients treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs showed good clinical evolution.

Implications:

• Laryngeal tuberculosis requires a high index of suspicion due to its nonspecific presentation.
• CT imaging and biopsy are crucial for accurate diagnosis, differentiating it from tumors.
• Standard anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy is effective for laryngeal tuberculosis.