Laryngeal tuberculosis: an often forgotten diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: Clinical description of laryngeal tuberculosis.

Methods: Clinical case review.

Results: The authors report three cases of laryngeal tuberculosis with lung involvement in HIV-negative patients; symptoms were mostly laryngeal. Diagnosis was made in all cases through laryngeal biopsy and examination of the sputum. Patients fully recovered after being given standard antituberculosis therapy.

Conclusions: Laryngeal tuberculosis almost disappeared after the 1950s, but, concomitant with the increase in pulmonary forms, may still be found and, being uncommon, is often misdiagnosed.