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Updated: May 11, 2026
In vivo Imaging of Transgenic Leishmania Parasites in a Live Host
Published on: July 27, 2010
A case of adnexal cutaneous leishmaniasis in Washington DC
Sinan Akosman1, Heeyah Song2, Paul Sheils2
1Department of Ophthalmology, George Washington University School of Medicine, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite 2A, Washington, DC, USA. sakosman@gwu.edu.
Purpose:
To report a rare non-endemic case of Leishmania aethiopica in Washington DC.
Case Report:
A 68-year-old female presented for a routine examination with a complaint of right upper eyelid lesions for the past 5 months. On examination, a cluster of elevated and erythematous lesions extending from the medial canthus to the brow area of the right eye were seen. Initial treatment with Valtrex based on a suspected viral etiology failed. Although a biopsy was recommended at this time, the patient declined, and subsequent workup included nasolacrimal duct irrigation, blood work to rule out autoimmune etiology, a course of doxycycline, and an MRI, which yielded no improvement. Upon progression of the lesions into persistent plaques on the eyelids, a punch biopsy was performed, confirming leishmaniasis. The patient was then started on a 28-day course of oral miltefosine which led to complete resolution of her symptoms.
Conclusion:
This case underlines the importance of a broad differential including non-endemic diseases, particularly in urban areas with frequent patient travel. Furthermore, the delayed punch biopsy in this case highlights the importance of patient counseling to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
