Tuberculosis of head and neck. Two case reports.

1. T.B. OF MAXILLARY SINUS F.K., a 40 years old male with a history of proptosis, was seen by an opthalmologist in January 198. His examination revealed a fixed right eyeball with normal vision. There was associated swelling of the right cheek. Lower eyelid biopsy had been done twice in the past, and diagnosed as tubercular granuloma. He had been prescribed anti-tubercular drugs in the past, which he took for a short time and then discontinued himself. He later developed an oroantral fistula on the right side and was, therefore, referred to the ENT department. Examination towed marked proptosis, large swelling of the right cheek and oro-antral fistula with fetid discharge. His ESR was 72 mm/lst hour and haemoglobin was 10.5 g%. X-ray chest was normal. X-ray of pare-nasal sinuses disclosed erosion of the floor and the lateral wall of right orbit. A diagnostic Caidwell Luc operation was carried out under anaesthesia, and a biopsy taken from the lower eyelid. Histology of both these specimens revealed “Chronic Granulomatous inflammation compatible with tuberculosis”. The patient was put on long-term antitubercular therapy including rifampicin 450 mg daily for three months and ethambutol plus INH 400 mg three tithes a day for twelve months. The patient has been followed up since then and is doing well. 2. TB. OF NASO-PHARYNX An 18 year old girl presented in the OPD with a history of nasal obstruction and multiple lumps in the neck. On examination, she had bilateral cervical lymph adenitis. The glands were multiple, matted, bilateral but not fixed. Examination of the nose and pharynx showed no significant change. Posterior rhinoscopy, however, revealed a small midline mass. Other systems were normal. The haematological findings were Hb of 11.4 Gm%, TLC 9,400/cumm with 88% neutrophils, 4% lymphocytes and 8% monocytes. Her ESR was 40 mm in the 1st hour. X-ray chest towed a large calcified shadow in the right hilum suggestive of healed tubercular lesion. Examination of the naso-pharynx under anaesthesia confirmed a small mass which was removed for histology. The result came as tuberculosis of nasopharynx. The patient was put on anti-tubercular treatment and she is doing very well.