A rare case report of oculosporidiosis from South India: 'Fish Egg' appearance means a lot

Abstract

To emphasise the importance and possibility of a rare infective condition caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi presented with a vascular mass. A 50-year-old male presented with complaints of a recently noted red mass in his left eye causing irritation. Ocular examination revealed the presence of a large, red vascular mass with numerous greyish-white spots (Fish egg-like appearance) on its surface with feeder vessels. A provisional diagnosis of conjunctival hemangioma was made and planned for excision. The mass was excised and sent for biopsy. It did not require grafting. Histopathological examination revealed a structure of polypoidal mucosal inflammation studded with multiple double-walled sporangia containing endospores in a swiss cheese pattern suggestive of rhinosporidiosis. Rhinology consultation was normal. No recurrence is noted during the follow-up period of 18 months. Bulbar conjunctival involvement is relatively rare. 'Fish egg' appearance aids in the diagnosis and histopathology confirms it. Excision is the only treatment.

Keywords

• conjunctival mass
• oculosporidiosis
• rhinosporidiosis
• rhinosporidium seeberi