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[A case of rhinosporidiosis]
T Ohgaki1, A Ikeda, A Komatsuzaki
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
Abstract:
Rhinosporidiosis is due to fungal infection by Rhinosporidium seeberi, which affects predominantly the mucous membrane of the nose and nasopharynx. This disease is characterized by the formation of papillomatous and polypoid lesions and is known to be endemic in India and Sri Lanka. The first case of rhinosporidiosis in Japan is reported in this paper. A 25-year-old male Indian, born in India, living in Japan for a year, visited the outpatient clinic complaining of nasal obstruction and swallowing pain. A friable, irregular, reddish polypoid mass was found in the right nasal cavity. Endoscopy as well as plain X-ray and CT examination showed that the mass originated from the right inferior turbinate and extended into the choana without any sign of bone destruction. The mass removed under general anesthesia showed the typical feature of rhinosporidiosis, that is, papillomatous hyperplasia of the mucosa with sporangia full of spores in different stages of development. One year after treatment, no relapse has been seen in this case.
Insights
This study reports the first case of rhinosporidiosis, a fungal infection, diagnosed in Japan. The successful treatment of a 25-year-old Indian man highlights effective management of this rare nasal condition.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi.
- It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and nasopharynx, causing papillomatous lesions.
- The disease is endemic in India and Sri Lanka.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old Indian male residing in Japan presented with nasal obstruction and dysphagia.
- A polypoid mass was identified in the right nasal cavity, originating from the inferior turbinate.
- Endoscopic and imaging studies confirmed the mass extension into the choana without bone erosion.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination revealed papillomatous hyperplasia and sporangia with spores, characteristic of rhinosporidiosis.
- Surgical removal under general anesthesia was performed.
- The patient showed no recurrence one year post-treatment.
Implications:
- This case marks the first documented instance of rhinosporidiosis in Japan.
- It underscores the importance of considering endemic diseases in expatriates.
- Successful management suggests effective surgical and follow-up protocols for rhinosporidiosis.