Secondary laryngeal tuberculosis in Tibet China: A report of six cases

Abstract

Objective: This study was undertaken to illustrate the clinical features of laryngeal tuberculosis (TB) and to help improve early diagnosis rate of laryngeal TB in Tibet China. Methods: A retrospective analysis of six TB patients who presented hoarseness in ENT Outpatient Department of Shigatse People's Hospital in Tibet China from Jan 2015 to Jan 2016. Results: Five males and one female were involved in this study, age range from 23 to 58 years old, with an average of 40.17 ± 11.86 years (mean ± SE). The main symptom was hoarseness in all patients. Endoscopic analysis indicated that true vocal folds were the anatomical structures most involved. Chest X-ray showed positive lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs of all six patients. Sputum samples were positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). All patients were admitted, placed in isolation. A four to eight months antituberculous treatment was applied. During six months follow up, the patients showed complete regression of endo-laryngeal lesions. Conclusions: Laryngeal TB is not as rare as considered in ENT department in Tibet. It is important to consider TB in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal disease.

Keywords

• Tuberculosis
• Larynx
• Tibet