Tuberculosis of the palatine tonsil mimicking a malignant lesion and associating pulmonary tuberculous miliaria: about a case in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

The aim of our work is to report a rare case of tuberculous tonsillitis associated with miliary tuberculosis. This was a case of tonsillar tuberculosis associated with miliary tuberculosis. The main complaint was chronic odynophagia, which had been present for 7 months and was associated with weight loss. Questioning also revealed alcohol, tobacco and marijuana consumption. Oropharyngoscopy revealed an enlarged, ulcerated and hemorrhagic right tonsil, suggesting a malignant lesion. Diagnostic tonsillectomy with anatomopathological examination of the surgical specimen led to the diagnosis of tonsillar tuberculosis. A postoperative chest X-ray revealed tuberculous miliaria. No other tuberculosis site was identified. No other confirmatory biological tests were carried out. The patient was treated with 4 anti-tuberculosis drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol) during 2 months and 2 anti-tuberculosis drugs (Rifampicin, Isoniazid) during 4 months. The evolution was favorable and the patient was declared cured at the end of treatment. There was no recurrence after 5 years. Tonsillar tuberculosis is rare. Tonsillar tuberculosis associated with pulmonary miliaria is even more exceptional. Tonsil biopsy for anatomopathological examination is sufficient for diagnosis. A chest X-ray should be requested as part of the preoperative workup prior to any tonsillar biopsy or tonsillectomy. GeneXpert (MTB/RIF) should be carried out if possible, not only for its value in the biological confirmation of tuberculosis but also to identify rifampicin resistance. Antibacillary treatment often leads to a favorable outcome.