A case of mucosal leishmaniasis: Mimicking intranasal tumor with perforation of septum

J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2016 Aug;49(4):604-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2013.11.007. Epub 2013 Dec 31.

Abstract

A 79-year-old male suffering from nasal congestion was referred to our hospital. Endoscopic examination revealed a hyperemic mass obstructing the left nasal passage. The lesion's surface was smooth. The findings of imaging studies were consistent with a benign tumor despite the erosion and perforation of the septum. The lesion originated from the middle concha and was attached to it with a thin stalk. It was removed easily by endoscopic resection. Histopathology revealed significant infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells, mostly lymphocytes and histiocytes, into the edematous subepithelial connective tissue. High-power magnification showed numerous Leishmania amastigotes in the cytoplasm of the histiocytes. A polymerase chain reaction experiment for Leishmania also confirmed the morphological diagnosis. No relapse was observed in the 12 months after surgery and the patient was doing well.

Keywords: Leishmania; Leishmaniasis; Mucosal involvement; Septal perforation; Turkey.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Leishmania / isolation & purification
  • Leishmaniasis / diagnosis*
  • Leishmaniasis / surgery*
  • Male
  • Nasal Obstruction / diagnosis*
  • Nasal Obstruction / surgery*
  • Nasal Septal Perforation / diagnosis*
  • Nose Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction