Laryngo-pharyngeal Tuberculosis

Abstract

Summary: Tuberculosis of the Larynx and pharynx only is rare. However, in the last few years, the number of tuberculosis cases in general have had a dramatic increase, thus increasing the possibility of isolated laryngo-pharyngeal lesions. Aim: To report a case of isolated laryngo-pharyngeal tuberculosis in a pregnant, immunocompetent host. Case Report: A 30-year-old pregnant female had complained of odynophagia for the last ten months. There were no other respiratory or systemic symptoms. An oro-pharyngeal granulomatous lesion was found, and the biopsy revealed acid-fast bacilli. There were no clinical or radiologic pulmonary findings. She was submitted successfully to an tuberculosis treatment protocol for nine months. Conclusions: The authors point out the epidemiological importance of tuberculosis and the need for a higher degree of suspicion when dealing with uncommon upper airway lesions to make an early diagnosis. Keywords: extrapulmonary, larynx, granulomatosis, pharynx tuberculosis