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Primary laryngeal leishmaniasis: a rare case report
Bipin Kumar1, Anand Ghimire, Smriti Karki
1Department of Pathology, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. bipinkumar31@yahoo.co.in
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|January 13, 2009
Summary
Laryngeal leishmaniasis, a rare condition, was diagnosed in a 70-year-old male presenting with hoarseness and breathing difficulties. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination revealing Leishmania donovani bodies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Laryngeal leishmaniasis is an exceptionally rare manifestation of Leishmania infection.
- Primary involvement of the larynx without other apparent sites of infection is exceedingly uncommon.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male presented with progressive hoarseness, dyspnea, cough, and noisy breathing.
- Imaging revealed a prevertebral soft tissue mass and a subglottic mass causing airway narrowing.
- Direct laryngoscopy identified a friable mass in the subglottic region and vocal cords.
Findings:
- Endoscopic biopsy and histopathological examination were crucial for diagnosis.
- The examination revealed diffuse inflammatory infiltrate and numerous Leishmania donovani bodies within histiocytes.
- These findings confirmed primary laryngeal leishmaniasis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal masses.
- Early and accurate diagnosis through histopathology is vital for appropriate management of laryngeal leishmaniasis.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of laryngeal leishmaniasis is warranted.
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