Laryngeal lesion in leprosy and the risk of aspiration.
Leprosy affects the larynx, damaging its mucosa and sensory nerves and loss of sensation may result in aspiration of food and secretions. The laryngeal lesion may be insidious. Post-mortem studies showed bronchopneumonia that could have originated from aspiration. In patients with laryngeal symptoms, dysphagia or aspiration pneumonia loss of laryngeal sensation should be looked for.
Bretan
Onivaldo
O
Faculty of Medicine, Otolaryngology Departament, University Hospital, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil. onivaldobretan@uol.com.br
De Souza
Lucijane B
LB
Lastória
Joel C
JC
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D001996:Bronchopneumonia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications*; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D053120:Respiratory Aspiration / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*