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Review
. 2007 Nov-Dec;73(6):843-847.
doi: 10.1016/S1808-8694(15)31181-2.

Mucosal leishmaniasis: epidemiological and clinical aspects

Marcus Miranda Lessa  1 , Hélio Andrade Lessa  2 , Thomas W N Castro  3 , Adja Oliveira  3 , Albert Scherifer  4 , Paulo Machado  5 , Edgar M Carvalho  6
Affiliations
Review

Mucosal leishmaniasis: epidemiological and clinical aspects

Marcus Miranda Lessa et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2007 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Leishmaniasis has been documented in several countries, with an estimated prevalence of 12 million people and an incidence at around 400,000 new cases per year. Leishmaniasis in the New World is one the major endemic diseases in Brazil and Latin America.

Objective: The aim of this study was to add to the current knowledge on mucosal leishmaniasis, bringing the experience of the Immunology and Otolaryngology Departments in the Professor Edgar Santos University Hospital of the Federal University of Bahia.

Conclusion: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of New World Leishmaniasis; mucosal legions may occur simultaneously or after years of disease. Mucosal leishmaniasis is caused mainly by L. braziliensis braziliensis; although the nasal mucosa is the most affected area, lesions may be found on the lips, mouth, pharynx and larynx. In addition to parasite-related factors, the host immune response may be involved in the pathogenicity of lesions in mucosal leishmaniasis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Tegumentary lesion in the right lower limb, showing a welldefined ulcer with elevated borders.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Endoscopy of the right nasal fossa showing perforation of the anterior nasal septum (*) and a granulomatous lesion involving the mucosa in the anterior nasal septum, the tip of the lower turbinate and the floor of the nasal fossa (CI = lower turbinate; Se = septum).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Deformity of the external structure of the nasal pyramid in a patient with mucosal leishmaniasis.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Vegetating granulation tissue involving the soft palate and the uvula, covered with a tenuous fibrin layer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Uncited Reference

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