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Human nasal rhinosporidiosis: an Italian case report

Luca Morelli1, Mario Polce, Francesco Piscioli

  • 1Division of Pathology, S. Maria del Carmine Hospital, Rovereto, Italy. luca.morelli@apss.tn.it

Diagnostic Pathology
|September 2, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Rhinosporidiosis, a nasal mass caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, requires surgical excision. This case highlights the importance of considering this rare infection in patients from endemic areas, especially regarding recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Parasitology
  • Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

  • Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by the aquatic protistan parasite Rhinosporidium seeberi.
  • It primarily affects the nasal mucosa, conjunctiva, and urethra, presenting as a polypoid mass.
  • Surgical excision is the only treatment, but recurrences and osteolytic bone lesions can occur.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of rhinosporidiosis in a non-endemic region.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic considerations for nasal masses in patients from endemic areas.
  • To discuss the implications of lesion recurrence in differentiating relapse from reinfection.

Main Methods:

  • A case presentation of a 26-year-old male with a three-month history of nasal obstruction.
  • Physical examination revealed a papillomatous mass obstructing the right nasal cavity.
  • Microscopic diagnosis confirmed rhinosporidiosis.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with a 3 cm erythematous, papillomatous mass in the right nasal cavity.
  • Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis.
  • This represents one of the few reported cases in Italy.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians and pathologists should consider rhinosporidiosis in patients with nasal masses, particularly those from endemic regions.
  • Recurrence of lesions in such cases is crucial for understanding disease behavior, distinguishing between true relapse and reinfection.
  • This case underscores the importance of vigilance for rhinosporidiosis in non-endemic settings.

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