Primary Nasal Tuberculosis Presenting with Septal Perforation

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a serious, worldwide health problem that affects people in many developing countries. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of mycobacteria have contributed to the increasing international incidence of tuberculosis in recent years. Yet, extrapulmonary tuberculosis remains comparatively rare. We present the case of a 44-year-old laborer who complained of bilateral nasal obstruction and postnasal drip for many years. Endoscopic examination disclosed septal perforation with marginal crusting. A biopsy of the marginal tissue was performed and Ziehl-Neelsen staining revealed acid-fast bacilli. Subsequent to a 6-month course of antituberculous medication, the perforation remained, but the crusting subsided.

Keywords

• extrapulmonary tuberculosis
• nasal septal perforation
• primary nasal tuberculosis