Rhinosporidiosis of trachea: A clinical cause for concern

Abstract

Background: Rhinosporidiosis is a granulomatous infection usually affecting the nasal mucosa and conjunctiva. The disease is widely prevalent in India and Sri Lanka. Tracheo-bronchial involvement is extremely rare and is potentially life threatening. Diagnosis of tracheal involvement is a challenge due to the risk of bleeding during attempted bronchoscopic biopsy. Case: A 73-year-old man was admitted with severe respiratory distress, for which emergency tracheostomy was performed. At tracheostomy, a fleshy mass was seen emerging from the wound. Pathological examination of the mass confirmed rhinosporidiosis involving the trachea. Complete excision of the mass was performed after initial stabilisation of the patient. Conclusion: Tracheo-bronchial rhinosporidiosis, a rare complication of nasopharyngeal infection, should be considered in a known case presenting with severe respiratory distress.