title: Tuberculosis in the head and neck--a forgotten differential diagnosis.
abstract: The aim of the present review is to illustrate the pathogenesis and imaging findings of tuberculosis in specific head and neck regions to avoid pitfalls in diagnosis. It is imperative to be aware of, and provide an early diagnosis for, extra-pulmonary tubercular lesions in the head and neck. A high index of suspicion combined with an appropriate clinical setting serves as an important background to diagnose tubercular lesions in the head and neck region and differentiate them from malignancy and other disease entities. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent irreversible and debilitating complications and mortality from disseminated tuberculosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging, Grant Medical Foundation, Pune, India. vaids@vsnl.com
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vaid
authors.forename: Y Y P
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rawat
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Luthra
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Ahuja
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006257:Head; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009333:Neck; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014388:Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / Q000175:diagnosis; D014393:Tuberculosis, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis; D014394:Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular / Q000175:diagnosis