Tongue, larynx and esophageal leishmaniosis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report with description of imaging findings and discussion of current literature: A case of multifocal mucosal leishmaniosis

Abstract

Mucosal leishmaniosis (ML) is a rare manifestation of leishmaniosis, usually caused by Leishmania brasiliensis in northeast Brazil and by Leishmania infantum and Leishmania donovani in the Mediterranean Europe and Africa. We present the case of a 66-year-old man living between Belgium and Congo, presenting with dysphonia for several months.Imaging work-up with PET-CE, CT scan, and MRI of the tongue, larynx, and esophagus reflected inflammatory and granulomatous tissue, confirmed at the biopsy. The histological examination confirmed the presence of inflammatory granulomatous tissue with Donovan bodies in the tongue, larynx, and esophageal specimens, in keeping with multifocal ML.In conclusion, inflammatory and granulomatous mucosal lesions in individuals leaving or traveling in endemic areas should prompt suspect ML. Imaging can facilitate the appropriate histological and biological examination and nonivasively confirm the response to antiparasitic treatment on follow-up.

Keywords

• Mucosal leishmaniosis
• Imaging of leishmaniosis
• Tongue leishmaniosis
• Laryngeal leishmaniosis
• Esophageal leishmaniosis
• Donovan bodies