Laryngeal leishmaniasis.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Leishmaniasis presents in visceral, cutaneous, and mucocutaneous forms, with the latter potentially affecting the larynx.
• Laryngeal involvement can mimic other conditions like chronic laryngitis, granulomatosis, or upper aerodigestive tract tumors, complicating diagnosis.

Observation:

• A patient presented with severe throat pain, dysphagia, odynophagia, dysphonia, and weight loss unresponsive to symptomatic treatment.
• Telelaryngoscopy revealed a nodular supraglottic lesion, necessitating a tracheotomy for airway obstruction.
• Biopsy with immunohistochemical study confirmed laryngeal Leishmaniasis.

Findings:

• The case underscores the diagnostic difficulties associated with laryngeal Leishmaniasis.
• Treatment with N-methylglucamine antimoniate, a standard for mucosal Leishmaniasis, resulted in complete symptom resolution.
• Accurate etiological diagnosis through laboratory and histological evaluation is crucial to avoid diagnostic delays.

Implications:

• This case emphasizes the importance of considering Leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained laryngeal lesions.
• Successful treatment with established antimonial therapy highlights its efficacy in managing laryngeal involvement.
• Standardized diagnostic protocols are essential for timely and accurate identification of rare Leishmaniasis presentations.