title: Laryngeal lesion in leprosy and the risk of aspiration.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Otolaryngology Departament, University Hospital, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil. onivaldobretan@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Onivaldo
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bretan
authors.forename: Lucijane B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: De Souza
authors.forename: Joel C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lastória
mesh_terms: 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*