Histoplasmosis of the head and neck in the immunocompetent patient: Report of 2 cases.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2018

Abstract

Histoplasmosis of the head and neck is rarely seen in immunocompetent patients. We report 2 new cases of histoplasmosis of the head and neck in immunocompetent patients, one an 80-year-old man and the other a 57-year-old man. The older man presented with oral cavity histoplasmosis; his symptoms included pain, dysphagia, and ulcerative lesions. The younger man had laryngeal histoplasmosis, which resulted in hoarseness and dyspnea. We discuss the methods of diagnosis and the classic findings in histoplasmosis, including the microscopic appearance of caseating granulomas, the results of periodic acid-Schiff staining and Gomori staining, and antibody detection of histoplasmosis. We also review the treatment options with antifungals, including amphotericin B and the oral conazole drugs. With an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, both of our patients recovered well and their symptoms resolved. Because their symptoms overlapped with those of other, more common disease processes, an accurate diagnosis of these patients was essential to treating their infection.

Volume

97

Issue

9

First Page

28

Last Page

28

ISSN

1942-7522

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

30273439

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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