The prevalence of tuberculous laryngitis in pulmonary tuberculosis in Tanzanians.

To assess the prevalence of tuberculous laryngitis in Tanzanians a study was made of 341 patients admitted for pulmonary tuberculosis to the chest unit of Muhimbili Medical Centre, University Hospital of Dar-es-Salaam. Laryngeal involvement, assessed by indirect laryngoscopy, was present in 27% of previously untreated patients. Hoarseness, which invariably accompanied lesions in the glottic region, was found in 53%. If a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis complains of hoarseness then concomitant tuberculous laryngitis is the first differential diagnostic consideration. Tuberculous laryngitis is usually related to advanced stages of pulmonary tuberculosis. Indirect laryngoscopy is an essential part of routine investigations for pulmonary tuberculosis.