Primary Laryngeal Tuberculosis Manifesting as Irregular Vocal Fold Lesion

Abstract

Laryngeal tuberculosis is rare despite its close anatomical and physiological proximity to the lungs. It constitutes less than 1% of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The symptoms of laryngeal tuberculosis are non-specific and mimic other laryngeal pathologies. The recent evolving and atypical endoscopic laryngeal features cause a diagnostic dilemma and delay in treatment. In this report, we presented three patients with distinct age and medical history, and hoarseness. Flexible videolaryngoscopy showed similar findings in the three cases, with irregular mucosa involving the entire length of the vocal fold, unilaterally in two cases and bilaterally in one. Mucosal waves were typically absent on laryngostroboscopy examination. The routine workup for pulmonary tuberculosis was unremarkable. The usage of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and rifampicin resistance (Xpert MTB/RIF) assay that detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the tissue biopsy specimens has helped in the rapid diagnosis of primary laryngeal tuberculosis and timely commencement of anti-tuberculous therapy. The clinical course and response to treatment were diverse in which two cases showed good response whilst the third developed disseminated tuberculosis despite optimal therapy.