Histoplasmosis of the larynx

Histoplasmosis commonly infects the lower respiratory tract, causing either a sub-clinical or a nonspecific pulmonary illness. It may also affect the larynx from wide-spread dissemination or in a localized form that mimics carcinoma. Hoarseness, dysphagia, and pain on swallowing are symptoms common to many diseases of the laryngopharynx, including histoplasmosis. It is therefore important to consider this fungus in the differential diagnosis. Since culture techniques alone may not establish the diagnosis, special stains of tissue preparations and serologic tests for histoplasmosis are important adjuncts. We have recently seen and treated two cases of laryngeal histoplasmosis. Amphotericin B remains the preferred drug.