Isolated laryngeal leishmaniasis in immunocompetent patients: an underdiagnosed disease

We describe a case of isolated primary laryngeal leishmaniasis in animmunocompetent Italian patient with a previous medical history negative forvisceral or cutaneous leishmaniasis, presenting with hoarseness. We alsosummarize the epidemiological, clinical, and diagnostic features and thetherapeutic management of other cases of laryngeal leishmaniasis inimmunocompetent subjects, described in the literature. Considering the insidious and nonspecific clinical presentation, the increasing number of different formsof mild or underestimated immunosuppressive conditions, and the number of people travelling in endemic zones, along with the ability of Leishmania amastigotes to survive for a long period in the body, we believe it is important forpathologists and clinicians to be aware of this unusual form of leishmaniasis in order to avoid delayed recognition and treatment. The rarity of the presentation and the lack of guidelines on mucosal leishmaniasis may contribute to thepotential undiagnosed cases or delayed diagnosis, the possible relapses, as well as the correct pharmacological and/or surgical therapeutic approach.