Case of nasopharyngeal tuberculosis complicated with cervical lymph node and pulmonary tuberculosis

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of tuberculosis affecting the nasopharynx, cervical lymph nodes, and lungs, highlighting the importance of thorough diagnosis.

Contribution

The paper presents a rare case linking nasopharyngeal TB with cervical lymph node and pulmonary TB, emphasizing the need for nasal endoscopy in such cases.

Findings

A case of nasopharyngeal TB combined with cervical lymph node and pulmonary TB was diagnosed and treated successfully.

Radiographic findings suggested TB despite negative smear tests, and treatment led to resolution of symptoms.

The case underscores the importance of nasal endoscopy in diagnosing nasopharyngeal TB.

Abstract

Multiple cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) combined with pulmonary TB are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Nasopharyngeal TB is often ignored because of its hidden location and nonspecific manifestations. A correlation between cervical lymph node and nasopharyngeal TB has been observed; however, reports of cervical lymph node TB complicated with nasopharyngeal TB are rare, potentially leading to missed diagnosis. Herein, we present a case of nasopharyngeal TB combined with cervical lymph node and pulmonary TB. Radiographic findings consistently suggested TB, although multiple smear tests’ results were negative. After 3 months of diagnostic anti-TB treatment, the nasopharyngeal TB completely disappeared, and the swollen cervical lymph nodes subsided after 1 year of treatment. This case report deepens our understanding of nasopharyngeal TB and emphasizes the need for nasal endoscopy in patients with cervical lymph node TB.

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