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Epiglottis involvement in a visceral leishmaniasis
B Granel1, J Serratrice, C Christides
1Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France.
The Journal of Infection
|October 22, 2002
Summary
Visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum, common in the Mediterranean, rarely affects the throat. This case highlights a rare epiglottic tumor caused by L. infantum, successfully treated with antimony.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Visceral leishmaniasis, primarily caused by Leishmania infantum, is endemic in Mediterranean regions.
- Otorhinolaryngeal (ear, nose, and throat) manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis are infrequently documented in medical literature.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old man presented with recurrent epistaxis and a tumor on the epiglottis.
- Clinical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia, indicative of visceral leishmaniasis.
- Diagnostic cultures from the epiglottic lesion confirmed the presence of Leishmania infantum.
Findings:
- The patient, residing in France but originally from Cameroon, had no history of HIV or immunosuppressive therapy.
- The diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was confirmed through clinical signs and laboratory findings.
- Microbiological analysis identified Leishmania infantum as the causative agent in the epiglottic lesion.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for rare otorhinolaryngeal involvement in visceral leishmaniasis.
- Early diagnosis and treatment, such as with antimony, are crucial for managing this parasitic infection.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms behind unusual disease presentations and guide clinical management.