Affiliation:
1. Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
Objective: This case report presents a unique manifestation of Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL) in a 56-year-old woman with chronic nasal symptoms. Initially diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and septal perforation, the patient’s history of a childhood sandfly bite and subsequent episodes of Leishmaniasis, revealed after nasal surgery, provided crucial information for accurate diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on this patient’s electronic medical record. Results: The patient’s life-long struggle with nasal obstruction, congestion, and a septal perforation initially masked the underlying MCL. Sinus surgery and persistent symptoms further complicated the diagnostic process. Only after postoperative complications, including grainy skin texture extending into the nasal passages, did the patient recall the sandfly bite, prompting reevaluation and diagnosis of MCL. The case highlights the challenges of diagnosing MCL due to its varied presentation and potential mimicry of other chronic nasal conditions. It emphasizes the importance of thorough patient history-taking, especially when symptoms are atypical or persistent. Additionally, the report underscores the potential for unexpected postoperative complications in MCL patients and the need for vigilance in recognizing and assessing them. Conclusion: This case contributes to the understanding of MCL’s diverse clinical presentation and the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management for prompt intervention and improved outcomes.