Primary sinonasal tuberculosis: Our experiences in a tertiary care hospital of eastern India

Abstract

Background Primary sinonasal tuberculosis is an extremely rare clinical entity. Often the clinician fail to diagnose the primary sinonasal tuberculosis, so treatment is frequently delayed and leading to complications. Objective To evaluate the clinical profile, diagnostic tools, treatment and outcome of primary sinonasal tuberculosis. Materials and Methods Retrospective studies of six cases of primary sinonasal tuberculosis were done over period of five years. The detail clinical profile, diagnosis, treatment and outcome were studied in these patients. Results Out of the six cases of primary sinonasal tuberculosis, four cases were female and two were male. The mean age during the time of diagnosis was 35 years (16–67 years). The most common clinical presentations were chronic nasal obstruction, epistaxis and ulcerations at the nasal vestibule and nasal cavity. Diagnosis was confirmed by Histopathological diagnosis in all six cases. All cases received antitubercular therapy for 6–9 months. All six patients successfully responded to antitubercular therapy. Two year follow up showed no relapse, dissemination and death. Conclusion Primary sinonasal tuberculosis is a rare clinical entity. It is always suspected among the patients with nasal obstruction, epistaxis and ulcerations at nasal vestibule and nasal cavity in the region with high prevalence of Tuberculosis.