Primary Laryngeal Tuberculosis as a Cause of Persistent Hoarseness—A Case Report

Abstract

Laryngeal tuberculosis is an uncommon disease of the larynx that can easily be missed. It is however the commonest granulomatous laryngeal pathology. Laryngeal tuberculosis and laryngeal cancer both have similar modes of clinical presentation. We present a case of isolated laryngeal tuberculosis in a 38-year-old Nigerian female, who presented with persistent hoarseness of 3 months duration with no respiratory symptoms and signs. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy showed hyperemia and oedema of the endolarynx, mucoid exudate and thickening of both false and true vocal cords. Tuberculosis was confirmed by gene Xpert. She was placed on rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for two months intensive phase and rifampicin and isoniazid for four months continuation phase. There was complete resolution of hoarseness after completion of anti-tuberculous therapy.