Primary tuberculosis of nasopharynx (adenoid)– A rare presentation

Abstract

Tuberculosis has global presence and no part of human body is immune to it, most frequent site beings lungs. Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis is a rare type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis comprising only less than 1% of tuberculosis found in the upper respiratory tract. The authors are presenting here a case of primary tuberculousis affecting the nasopharynx (adenoids) which is one of the rare differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal mass. Isolated nasopharyngeal tuberculosis is a rare condition even in the endemic areas. In literature there are varied clinical presentations of nasopharyngeal tuberculosis. Tuberculosis should be one of the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal lesion. Biopsy and histologic study should be performed in every patient to avoid misdiagnosis. When treated properly, nasopharyngeal tuberculosis carries a excellent prognosis, and complete resolution of disease is the rule.

Association of laryngeal and nasopharyngeal tuberculosis: a case report

“…The prevalence of HIV infection in patients with tuberculosis is about 8.8%. Up to 10% of extrapulmonary TB involves the head and neck region [ 4 , 5 ] with 95% of cervical lymphadenitis. Other sites such as the larynx, pharynx, tonsils, nasal cavities, ears, sinuses, mastoids, and salivary glands can be affected but each represents less than 1% of all cases of TB [ 6 ].…”

“…According to recent series, 50% of LTB are associated with active pulmonary infection [ 6 ]. NPTB is also rare and represents less than 1% of upper respiratory tract involvement [ 4 ]. The infection can be primary or secondary to pulmonary or systemic TB [ 2 ].…”

“…The mode of contamination does not differ from that of the larynx. However, the rich lymphatic network of the Waldeyer ring explains lymphatic nasopharyngeal contamination [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…Atypical presentations such as diplopia and sleep apnea have also been reported. NPTB is often underdiagnosed due to less obvious signs [ 4 ]. Our patient did not complain of nasal symptoms.…”

Tuberculosis faríngea. Caso clínico

“…[1][2][3][4] La Organización Mundial de la Salud estima que, en el año 2013, 550 000 niños menores de 15 años enfermaron de tuberculosis y 80 000 niños seronegativos para el VIH murieron a causa de esta enfermedad. 5 La tuberculosis en la infancia pone de manifiesto la existencia de enfermos bacilíferos entre la población, y los adolescentes se constituyen como un grupo numeroso entre los afectados, con un riesgo especial para contraer la enfermedad con formas clínicas graves y contagiosas, como el caso de nuestra paciente.…”