Primary Tuberculosis of pharynx-diagnostic difficulties, complications and treatment.
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Date
2015-11
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Abstract
Primary tuberculosis of the upper respiratory tract is extremely rare and poses a diagnostic challenge. Due to delay
in diagnosis the disease may progress to life threatening airway compromise. Here we report a case of chronic
granulomatous infection of the upper respiratory tract involving the oropharynx. Initial biopsy revealed acute on
chronic inflammation with no epitheloid granuloma and no acid fast bacilli was found on Ziehl-Nielsen staining of
the biopsy. As a result of delay in diagnosis the disease progressed to involve the soft palate, valopharyngeal isthmus,
and supraglottis compromising the airway and needed emergency tracheostomy. Where there is strong clinical
suspicion repeat biopsy should be performed. The life threatening complication of pharyngeal tuberculosis such as
stenosis and adhesion leading to airway compromise can occur during the course of treatment and should be closely
monitored . It can be managed effectively with radiofrequency uvulopalatoplasty as demonstrated in the case report.
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Keywords
Palatopharyngeal stenosis, Radiofrequency palatoplasty, Tuberculosis pharynx
Citation
Adhikari Tika Ram, Omar Rahmat. Primary Tuberculosis of pharynx-diagnostic difficulties, complications and treatment. Bhutan Health Journal. 2015 Nov; 1(1): 62-65.