Clinical manifestation of Laryngeal Tuberculosis

Background: Prevalence of laryngeal tuberculosis is rising due to the increase in risk factors like HIV/AIDS. Any part of the larynx can be affected. Diagnosis depends on high index of suspicion. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical manifestations due to localized laryngeal tuberculosis and their association with pulmonary TB.Patients and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in ENT Hospital- Khartoum, Sudan from September 2004 to November 2006. All tuberculous patients with laryngeal symptoms and those diagnosed histologically to have laryngeal tuberculosis were included.Results: Eight patients were studied; they were five males and three females, with age range between 12-70 years (mean 41years). Strider, dysphonia and dysphagia were the main complaints. Ulcers and nodules were the main findings in all parts of the larynx. Conclusion: Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis is not mandatory for the diagnosis of laryngeal tuberculosis. Cases are picked up in routine direct laryngoscopy and biopsy for prolonged dysphonia and / or those with known pulmonary tuberculosis who developed laryngeal symptoms Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 2 (4) 2007: pp. 275-276