Incidence Of Tuberculosis In Otorhinolaryngology - Our Experience From A Tertiary Care Centre In Western India

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis In ENT

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide leading public health problem even today. It affects all tissues of the body, but pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common type of tuberculosis (80% total tuberculosis cases). Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) has major challenge for its clinical detection, definitive diagnosis and treatment. Out of all extrapulmonary cases, TB occurring in head and neck region is uncommon. Material And Methods: A prospective analytical study of 50 patients who presented to ENT OPD setup of our tertiary care hospital with extra pulmonary TB. We look at the various clinical and laboratory aspects of tuberculosis of the otorhinolaryngeal region that would help to diagnose this uncommon but important form of extra pulmonary tuberculosis. Result: Male: Female ratio was 1.8:1 exhibiting male preponderance. Majority of the patients belonged to the age group of 20-40 years. Our study included patients with tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy (84%), laryngeal TB (2%), tuberculous otitis media (12%), and retropharyngeal abscess (2%). FNAC seems to be definitive and easier mode to diagnose TB of cervical nodes and Excision Biopsy can be done when FNAC is inconclusive. Conclusion: Extra pulmonary TB is significant health problem worldwide. It presents as a challenging task for diagnosis and overall surveillance of the treatment. The ear, nose, PNS, pharynx, larynx and cervical nodes are very important anatomical sites of extra pulmonary affliction. Its early diagnosis and definitive management will seize its sequence and further complications. The practical implications of an awareness of ENT tuberculosis are a benefit of anti-tubercular therapy and hence conservative management usually suffices. [Rathod K Natl J Integr Res Med, 2021; 12(6): 48-52]