Laryngeal tuberculosis: a series of 46 patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of laryngeal tuberculosis is declining after the advent of anti-tuberculous drugs. The disease itself is changing according to our experience, too. The changing pattern is our interest. METHODS: A series of 46 cases of laryngeal tuberculosis seen in our institution between 1980 and 1995 were reviewed retrospectively to assess the various features of the disease. RESULTS: The results showed a mean age of 48 years and a sex ratio of 2:1. Hoarseness is the most frequent presenting symptom (80%), and sore throat (52%) is another important symptom. The frequent locations of lesions are the true cords (57%), epiglottis (39%), false cords (35%), arytenoids (24%) and posterior commissure (7%). Laryngeal tuberculosis was the most common initial working diagnosis before a definite pathological report was completed. In 85% of the patients the disease was transmitted by bronchogenic route, and in the others it was primary laryngeal tuberculosis. Laryngeal tuberculosis responds well to early treatment with anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation of laryngeal tuberculosis is changing. It is necessary to detect the disease early to prevent the development of severe sequalae or mortality.