Multidetector computed tomography aspects of tracheal mucosal leishmaniasis localization

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Parasitology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Leishmaniasis typically affects the skin and viscera, with tracheal involvement being exceptionally rare.
• Previous literature documents only one reported case of tracheal leishmaniasis.
• Endemic zones pose a risk for leishmaniasis transmission.

Observation:

• A 68-year-old patient residing in a leishmania-endemic area presented with tracheal mucosal leishmaniasis.
• Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was utilized to visualize the affected tracheal mucosa.
• Biopsy of the tracheal lesion confirmed the diagnosis of leishmaniasis.

Findings:

• MDCT demonstrated characteristic imaging features of leishmaniasis localized to the tracheal mucosa.
• The findings represent a significant contribution to the understanding of rare leishmaniasis presentations.
• Successful diagnosis was achieved through a combination of clinical suspicion, imaging, and histopathology.

Implications:

• Highlights the utility of MDCT in diagnosing rare localizations of infectious diseases.
• Suggests considering leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis of tracheal lesions, especially in endemic areas.
• Emphasizes the importance of biopsy for definitive diagnosis of unusual parasitic infections.