Case report of a laryngeal tuberculosis during pregnancy - challenges in diagnosis and management

Although tuberculosis is the leading infectious cause of mortality worldwide, it is a rare condition in Switzerland and laryngeal manifestations are easily misdiagnosed. Patients with laryngeal tuberculosis often present with non-specific symptoms like dysphonia, weight loss, dysphagia or odynophagia. We present a case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman with dys- and odynophagia and non-productive cough not responding to conservative treatment. Laryngoscopic examination showed polypoid alterations, erythema and edema of the supraglottic structures. Biopsy was consistent with tuberculosis. Quadruple antitubercular therapy was started as recommended by the World Health Organization and Swiss Lung Association guidelines. Subsequently, the patient fully recovered from the illness and the follow-up was negative for relapse.

Automated summary

Despite being the leading cause of infectious mortality worldwide, tuberculosis is rare in Switzerland and laryngeal manifestations are often misdiagnosed. This case report presents a 27-year-old pregnant woman with dysphagia, odynophagia, and non-productive cough. Laryngoscopic examination revealed polypoid alterations, erythema, and edema of the supraglottic structures, while biopsy confirmed tuberculosis. Quadruple antitubercular therapy was initiated, resulting in complete recovery and no relapse during follow-up.