Isolated laryngeal candidiasis in an immunocompetent patient

• Published in: Otolaryngology case reports Vol. 32; p. 100615
• Main Authors: Ntiamoah, Prince, Bhat, Aparna, Israel, Anna-Karoline, Ghosh, Subha, Mustafa, Mohamed, Lorenz, Robert R., Mehta, Atul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.09.2024
• ISSN: 2468-5488; 2468-5488
• DOI: 10.1016/j.xocr.2024.100615

Respiratory fungal infections are more commonly found in immunocompromised individuals who have either received long-term steroid therapy or broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, or have an unresolving underlying chronic disease. Primary fungal laryngitis is a fungal infection of the larynx without affecting the other parts of the respiratory tract, such as the oral cavity, pharynx, or the lungs. It is an extremely rareclinical entity, particularly in immunocompetent individuals. Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans are common fungi associated with primary fungal laryngitis. The diagnosis is often overlooked and delayed among patients as it is usually evident among immunocompromised patients and is often confused with certain laryngeal diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, granulomatous diseases, leukoplakia, and malignancy. Misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment may lead to significant morbidity and potential life-threatening consequences. We report a case of isolated laryngeal candidiasis with significant upper airway obstruction in an immunocompetent male. The clinical and histological features are highlighted with a review of relevant literature to demonstrate the possibility of such an isolated fungal lesion, even in an immunocompetent individual.