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Leishmaniasis presenting to the otolaryngologist: a rare but important cause of persistent hoarseness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 January 2009

L Santangeli ,
N A McCluney ,
I Hathorn ,
M Shakeel  and
C Anderson
L Santangeli
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland, UK
N A McCluney*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland, UK
I Hathorn
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St John's Hospital, Livingston, Scotland, UK
M Shakeel
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland, UK
C Anderson
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr N A McCluney, 54 Charles Street, Aberdeen AB25 3TU, Scotland, UK. Fax: 01224 554569 E-mail: neilmccluney@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

We report a rare UK case of laryngeal leishmaniasis, mimicking laryngeal candidiasis, associated with long term steroid inhaler use.

Methods:

Case report and review of the world literature concerning leishmaniasis.

Results:

Laryngeal leishmaniasis is a protozoal infection which is rare in the Western world. It is becoming more common, however, with increased foreign travel. The disease can be difficult to diagnose histologically, and diagnosis is often delayed because of its rarity. It can mimic malignant laryngeal disease, and patients may therefore be subjected to significant and inappropriate treatment interventions.

Conclusions:

A diagnosis of leishmaniasis should be considered if initial treatment for persistent hoarseness is ineffective, particularly in a patient who is at low risk of malignancy.

Keywords

LeishmaniasisLarynxSteroid InhalersAsthmaCandidiasisCancerAntimicrobial Therapy
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 10 , October 2009 , pp. 1181 - 1183
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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