title: Pretracheal tuberculous abcess mimicking a thyroid swelling-A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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]).
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pre operative assessment is often under estimated. Adequate evaluation will avoid major surgery for a benign pathology like tuberculosis.
authors: Affiliated to Osmania General Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Afzalgunj, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
authors: Sambi G
authors: SG
authors: Reddy
authors: Affiliated to Osmania General Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Afzalgunj, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Electronic address: drjerusha7@gmail.com.
authors: Jerusha
authors: J
authors: Daggolu
keywords: Case report; Extra pulmonary tuberculosis; Pretracheal lymph node abscess; Thyroid nodule; Tuberculosis