[Epilaryngeal tuberculosis: epidemiologic, clinical and healthcare considerations].

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of laryngeal tuberculosis and to consider tuberculosis management in ENT practice.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A 44-year-old man, a smoker with pulmonary sarcoidosis experienced dysphonia with dysphagia. Laryngeal fibroscopy revealed an ulcerated epiglottic lesion. Direct laryngoscopy was performed to detect carcinoma, laryngeal sarcoidosis or tuberculosis. The histologic study revealed granulomatosis with giant cells and caseous necrosis. Tissue culture identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

RESULTS

Antituberculosis therapy decreased dysphonia and dysphagia. Isolated ulceration disappeared at three months. Pulmonary infiltration decreased in radiography. The discovery of this case of laryngeal tuberculosis instigated hospital and community tuberculosis surveillance.

CONCLUSION

The ENT specialist should be aware of laryngeal tuberculosis in suspicious lesions. Mandatory declaration of such cases can motivate setting up tuberculosis surveillance.