Laryngeal tuberculosis in childhood.

Laryngeal tuberculosis is an extremely rare condition in childhood, although probably less so in the underdeveloped world. We have described two cases treated concurrently in our wards. The first case showed features of a pharyngopalatotonsillar membrane, an exquisitely painful edematous pharynx and larynx and was initially sputum-negative for acid-fast bacilli. This presentation fits the hematogenous form of disease and stresses that: laryngeal tuberculosis is not confined to cases of far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis; tuberculosis should enter the differential diagnosis of pharyngeal, tonsillar and palatal lesions (especially membranoulcerative lesions); and there is a common association between laryngeal and abdominal tuberculosis. Her treatment included a 1-month course of steroids and to date (12 months after onset) she shows no signs of complications. The edematous form of laryngeal tuberculosis may be yet another indication for the use of steroids in tuberculosis. Our second patient presented with prolonged chest symptoms, initial positive sputum for acid-fast bacilli and localized granulomatous laryngeal disease, features of far advanced "adult" disease and bronchogenic laryngeal spread. Laryngeal tuberculosis usually responds rapidly to antituberculosis chemotherapy. This was clinically and endoscopically confirmed in both our cases.