Case 34-1994: Laryngeal Tuberculosis

To the Editor: We would like to add our observations to Dr. Rossi’s interesting discussion of laryngeal tuberculosis in Case 34-1994 (Sept. 15 issue).¹Many immunocompromised patients have positive tuberculin tests, although a negative result does not rule out tuberculosis infection or active disease.²The results of sputum examinations for acid-fast bacilli were not given in the case report and may have made biopsy unnecessary. Laryngeal tuberculosis is highly infectious.³Therefore, the situation warrants a contact investigation conducted in conjunction with the local health department. The patient’s father, sister, and other close contacts should have tuberculin tests; if they are. . .