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Laryngeal tuberculosis at the end of the 20th century

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

D. C. Kandiloros
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
T. P. Nikolopoulos*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
E. A. Ferekidis
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
A. Tsangaroulakis
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
J. E. Yiotakis
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
D. Davilis
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
G. K. Adamopoulos
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
*
Address for correspondence: Thomas P. Nikolopoulos, Ph.D., 37 Rydale Rd, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 3GS. Fax: 0115 - 9709748

Abstract

Despite the dramatic reduction in the incidence of laryngeal tuberculosis after the 1950s, the topic has now gained new interest due to claims that the disease has changed its clinical pattern. In the past, the typical patient was 20–40 years old with ulcerated laryngeal lesions, perichondritis, and advanced cavitary lung disease. We studied nine cases of laryngeal tuberculosis confirmed by histological examination. The microlaryngoscopy revealed tumour-like lesions and/or chronic non-specific laryngitis. There were no significant ulcerations or signs of perichondritis. The patients' ages ranged from 48.5 years to 69.3 years (mean, 59.4 years). In three of our patients (33 per cent) we did not find any pulmonary involvement, thus suggesting primary laryngeal tuberculosis or haematogenous spread. In conclusion, the numerous physicians who deal with the various laryngeal symptoms and diseases should be aware of the existence of laryngeal tuberculosis and the changing patterns of the disease (at least in the developed countries).

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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