Pretracheal tuberculous abcess mimicking a thyroid swelling—A case report

INTRODUCTION: Pretracheal tubercular abscess is a rare presentation of extra pulmonary tuberculosis even in TB- endemic areas (WHO, 2014 [3]). It usually presents in posterior triangle group of lymph nodes (Baskota et al., 2004 [2]). PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a lower midline swelling in anterior part of the neck of 6 months duration, with dysphagia of 1 month duration. Radiological diagnosis was established as tuberculous abscess and was drained. Patient was started on anti tuberculous treatment. DISCUSSION: Swellings anatomically located in the area of anterior group of lymph nodes should be dealt with high degree of suspicion for tubercular etiology especially in TB-endemic areas (WHO, 2014 [3]). Anterior group of lymph node involvement is very rare. To differentiate, proper radiological assessment is needed to differentiate between thyroid nodule and lymph node pathology. CONCLUSION: Pre operative assessment is often under estimated. Adequate evaluation will avoid major surgery for a benign pathology like tuberculosis.