Tumoral cutaneous rhinosporidiosis: Case report and review of literature

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi commonly affecting nasal mucosa, conjunctiva, and urethra. Subcutaneous tumor nodule presentation is rare and often mimics as sarcoma. Such tumoral rhinosporidiosis has been reported rarely. This report describes a 60-year male who presented with a solitary, firm, nontender swelling in posterior aspect of right leg with an ulcer and mimicking clinically as soft tissue sarcoma. Histopathology was diagnostic. Surgical excision was found to be useful.

Rinosporidiosis humana de cavidad nasal en Argentina / Human rhinosporidiosis of the nasal cavity in Argentina

Resumen La rinosporidiosis es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por el patógeno protista acuático Rhinosporidium seeberi que habita en agua dulce de lagos o lagunas y el suelo. Es sumamente infrecuente, siendo endémica en India y Sri Lanka, aunque se han visto casos en países de Europa, África y Sudamérica. Predomina en jóvenes de sexo masculino y afecta tanto a humanos como animales. Se caracteriza por la formación de pólipos ro jizos uni o bilaterales, principalmente en cavidad nasal. Los síntomas de presentación en la vía aérea incluyen obstrucción, epistaxis, rinorrea y sensación de cuerpo extraño. Reportamos el caso de un varón de 22 años nativo de Argentina que se presentó a la consulta por insuficiencia ventilatoria nasal, rinorrea y epistaxis. La rinoscopía exhibió una formación polipoide que surgía del tabique septal y ocupaba toda la fosa nasal derecha. Microscópicamente el pólipo estaba revestido por epite lio de tipo respiratorio y pavimentoso y a nivel estromal evidenciaba proceso inflamatorio crónico granulomatoso con presencia de abundantes estructuras quísticas de pared gruesa de entre 100 y 500 μm (esporangios), que contenían en su interior abundantes endosporas. Las técnicas de ácido peryódico de Schiff y Grocott resalta ron dichas estructuras. Dado los antecedentes clínico-epidemiológicos y el cuadro morfológico se arribó al diagnóstico de rinosporidiosis.

Abstract Rhinosporidiosis is an infectious pathology caused by the aquatic protist pathogen Rhinosporidium seeberi that in habits the fresh water of lakes or lagoons and in the soil. It is extremely rare, being endemic in India and Sri Lanka, al though cases have been seen in countries in Europe, Africa and South America. It predominates in young males and affects both humans and animals. It is characterized by the formation of uni- or bilateral reddish polyps, mainly in the nasal cavity. Presenting airway symptoms include obstruc tion, epistaxis, rhinorrhea and foreign body sensation. We report the case of a 22-year-old man from Argentina who presented with nasal ventilatory insufficiency, rhinorrhea and epistaxis. Rhinoscopy revealed a polypoid formation arising from the septal septum and occupying the entire right nostril. Microscopically, the polyp was covered by respiratory and squamous epithelium, and at the stromal level it evidenced a granulomatous chronic inflammatory process with the presence of abundant thick-walled cystic structures between 100 and 500 μm (sporangia), which contained abundant endospores inside. The periodic acid Schiff and Grocott techniques highlighted these structures. Given the clinical-epidemiological background and the morphological picture, the diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis was reached.

Choanal Polyps Originating from Unusual Sites: A Rural Tertiary Care Center Experience

Abstract Introduction Choanal polyps are benign lesions arising from the sinonasal mucosa, extending through the choana into the nasopharynx. Though polyps arising from the maxillary sinus and extending to the choana are common, polyps arising from the sphenoid sinus ostium, posterior part of middle turbinate, and inferior and middle meatus are quite uncommon. Objective To document the site of origin of choanal polyps arising from unusual sites; their clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics, as well as diagnostic challenges and management. Methods This retrospective, single-center study included 14 patients aged 16 to 75-years-old with choanal polyps. After obtaining informed consent, their clinical, radiological and surgical details and histopathology reports were reviewed. Patients were followed for at least 6 months after surgery. Results The predominant symptoms were unilateral nasal obstruction (n = 9), snoring, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis. Though anterior rhinoscopy was unremarkable, a mass could be visualized during posterior rhinoscopy in the nasopharynx in 11 patients, and a mass could be directly visualized in the oropharynx in 2 patients. After diagnostic by nasal endoscopy, these polyps were noted to arise from the posterior aspect of the middle meatus (n = 6), middle turbinate (n = 3), posterior septum (n = 3), sphenoid sinus ostium (n = 1), and inferior meatus (n = 1). All patients were managed surgically. The histopathological examination revealed inflammatory polyp (n = 12), actinomycosis (n = 1), and rhinosporidiosis (n = 1). Patients were followed up for 6 to 22 months. We observed no complications or recurrence. Conclusion Diagnostic nasal endoscopy should be performed in all patients presenting with nasal obstruction, to rule out choanal polyps arising from unusual sites. Complete polyp removal and appropriate treatment based on histopathology prevents recurrence.

Rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac in a tertiary care hospital of India - A retrospective case study

Purpose: Though rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac is a rare disease across the globe, the frequency with which these patients come to the outpatient department in western Odisha is quite alarming. This study was undertaken to upgrade the knowledge about the clinical profile and management of rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac. Methods: This is a retrospective study comprising 32 clinically diagnosed and histopathologically proved cases of lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis who were managed with dacryocystectomy with meticulous excision. Intraoperative copious irrigation with 5% povidone–iodine for 5 min and postoperative dapsone therapy for 3–6 months had been administered to all the patients. The mean follow?up period was 16.7 months. The study was conducted over 5 years from August 2015 to July 2020. Results: Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic protistan parasite, was found to be the causative agent. Males and females were affected equally. Children less than 10 years of age comprised 56.2% (18 cases). History of pond bathing was found in 100% of cases. The most common presentation was boggy swelling over the lacrimal sac. The involvement was unilateral in all the cases. None of the patients were found to have nasal involvement. In 65.6%, the lesion was limited within the sac. Recurrence was noted in 25% of cases. Conclusion: Rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac should be excluded in all patients presenting with boggy swelling of the lacrimal sac with a history of pond bath. The recurrence can be minimized by meticulous excision, intraoperative betadine, and postoperative dapsone therapy

Rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac masquerading as chronic dacryocystitis: a rare presentation

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic infection of the mucous membrane caused by the Rhinosporiduim seeberi, which infects through transepithelial penetration. Although described worldwide, this entity is mostly found in the western hemisphere, afflicting young people, predominantly males, associated in many cases with recreational or professional contact with bath in ponds, rivers, or stagnant waters. The clinical features are varied depending on the affected membrane, in some cases mimicking other diseases postponing the correct diagnosis. Although nasal obstruction and epistaxis are the common clinical presentations in sinonasal rhinosporidiosis, patients with epiphora without a nasal mass often challenge the diagnosis. In the present case, we have documented a case of isolated lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis masquerading as chronic dacryocystitis, which was successfully managed by endoscopic excision, accompanied by a literature review.

Rhinosporidiosis – A Clinical Survey

Background: Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic inflammatory granulomatous disease caused by the organism Rhinosporidiumseeberi. This causal organism was once believed to be a sporozoan, but is now considered to be a fungus. The disease ispresent all over the world except in Australia. However, it is endemic only in India and Sri Lanka; more than 95% of reportedcases are from these two countries. The most common site of manifestation of rhinosporidiosis in man is the nose accountingfor about 70% of cases. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment today even though dapsone and ketoconazolehave been tried to some extent in preventing recurrence after surgery.Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to study the prevalence, distribution, clinical behavior, results of various forms oftreatment and to provide a baseline clinical data and to supplement information for ongoing studies in the field of rhinosporidiosis.Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients diagnosed as rhinosporidiosis, who attended the ENT Outpatient Department ofMedical College Hospital, Calicut, during the period from December 1998 to November 1999. Detailed history was recorded andpatients were subjected to thorough otolaryngological examination. Special attention was given to the site of lesions and type ofattachment. Details were also collected with particular reference to bathing habits, occupation, contact with animals, and occurrenceof similar illness in the family or in the neighborhood. Investigations included regular blood and urine and blood grouping. All thepatients underwent surgical excision of the lesions. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination of specimenobtained postoperatively. 100 mg of dapsone was administered daily (50 mg daily in children), 6 days a week, for a period of 6 months.All patients were reviewed for follow-up at the end of 1 month, 2, 4, and 6 and 9 months and on completion of a year after surgery.Observations and Results: In this study, the average age of patients suffering from rhinosporidiosis was 30.6 ± 2.80 years and theage varied between 8 and 52 years. The sex incidence was as follows: Males 17 (85%), females 3 (15%). Male predominance wasseen in this series and the male to female ratio was 5.66:1. Most of the subjects suffering from rhinosporidiosis were manual laborers7 (35%) out of 20, of which 2 (10%) were agricultural workers. The other major group was students accounting for 5 (25%) out of20 cases. The external appearance of the nose was normal in all patients. Partial nasal obstruction was seen in 13 cases (65%),on the left six, on the right five, and bilateral two cases. The total obstruction was seen in 5 cases (25%) – left two, right two, andbilateral one. Both nasal cavities were patent in only two cases. The vestibule showed the presence of mass in four cases (20%).Conclusions: Rhinosporidiosis is not an uncommon disease encountered in day-to-day ENT practice. The occurrence of thedisease does not bear any relation to the occupation of the patient. The maximum incidence of rhinosporidiosis is seen inthe age group of 21–30 years and males predominate. Rhinosporidiosis is more common in the rural population. There is asignificant association between dip baths in ponds and the occurrence of disease.

Maxillary rehabilitation after complete destruction by fungal osteomyelitis

Treatment of uncommon fungal infection such as Rhinosporidiosis is challenging, especially when occurring in a non-immunocompromised patient in non-invasive form. Extensive involvement, extending into maxillary jawbone would need aggressive, chemotherapeutic and surgical approach. There are few reports of successful rehabilitation of maxillary jaw with dental implants after treatment of such fungal infection. After adequate medical treatment, the iliac graft and recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 was effectively utilized to reconstruct the lost maxillary bone. Later, dental implants were placed, that osseointegrated well.

External dacryocystorhinostomy for isolated lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis – A suitable alternative to dacryocystectomy

Purpose: To describe the outcome of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) as a suitable alternative to dacryocystectomy (DCT) in cases of isolated lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis. Methods: This was a retrospective, interventional case series. Institutional review board approval was obtained for the study. The chart review of 13 patients who underwent external DCR surgery for isolated lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis between July 2012 and May 2018 was performed. Demographic details, clinical presentation, preoperative and intraoperative findings, surgical technique used, postoperative management, surgical outcome and duration of follow up were reviewed for each patient. Results: Thirteen patients were included in the study. Nine (69.2%) were male and four (30.8%) were female. The mean age was 22.1 years (range: 8–46 years). Involvement was unilateral in all cases. The commonest presenting complaint was epiphora with discharge seen in 10 cases (76.9%). An intrasac granuloma was grossly identified intraoperatively in 12 out of the 13 patients. Mean follow up was 26.9 months (range: 1.5–68 months). Till the last follow up, all cases were symptom free and did not have any evidence of recurrence of infection. Conclusion: From this series of cases reported by the authors, external DCR with appropriate precautions to prevent recurrence appears to be a suitable alternative to conventional DCT with excellent long-term outcomes without disease recurrence.

Three unusual cases of parasites in eye

A 17-year-old male patient presented with cellulitis and mass in the eye noticed approximately 3 months back. The mass was about 1 cm in size and situated at the limbus. All preoperative routine investigations were normal. Surgical exploration revealed a sub-conjunctival cystic mass near the lateral rectus muscle about 1 cm in diameter; the mass was excised. Gross pathological examination revealed a thin-walled cystic mass. There was a hard nodule in the center. Microscopy revealed a wall of cysticercosis. Scolex was also seen. Surrounding tissue revealed sparse acute and chronic inflammatory cells. The case was confirmed by CDC, Atlanta, and was also included in their departmental presentation as an interesting case. A 60-year-old lady presented with complaints of itching over the forehead and right eye for 5 days. She was prescribed steroid eyedrops and antihistaminics. The itching aggravated with eyedrops along with watering and foreign body sensation. On revisit, the ophthalmologist noticed a worm in the right upper subconjunctival space. The worm was carefully removed in toto and sent to the laboratory for identification. The worm was thin, cylindrical, 8–10 cm long and white in color. After microscopic and gross examination of the worm, it was identified as Dirofilaria spp. CDC (Atlanta) confirmed the diagnosis of Dirofilaria. The patient was treated with antihistaminics and was relieved of symptoms without recurrence. A 45-year-old male patient had a painless mass in the eye for the last 3 months. He had no systemic illness. He gave a history of swimming pool use during that time. The mass was excised and submitted for histopathology. Numerous globular cysts representing thick-walled sporangia containing numerous spores diagnostic of Rhinosporidiosis were seen.

Rhinosporidiosis in horses / Rinosporidiose em equinos

Rhinosporidiosis is a disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic protist of the class Mesomycetozoa. It primarily affects the nasal mucosa and transmission is associated with contaminated water contact. This report describes seven cases of rhinosporidiosis in horses in Rio Grande do Sul covering the period of 13 years. The disease predominantly affected Crioulo and thoroughbred horses. No apparent gender predisposition occurs, and age ranged from two to 25 years, with a median of 10 years. The gross aspects were characterized by unilateral (85.7%, 6/7) or bilateral (14.3%, 1/7) polyps. These were soft to friable, whitish to pink, cauliflower-like, with an irregular, sometimes ulcerated surface, measuring 2.5 to 6.0cm in diameter. There was a severe inflammatory infiltrate of the submucosa was observed, associated with moderate proliferation of the epithelium, and numerous rounded structures were identified compatible with sporangia of R. seeberi. Rhinosporidiosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of other conditions affecting the respiratory tract of horses, and it is important to perform histopathology for diagnosis.(AU)

A rinosporidiose é uma doença causada por Rhinosporidium seeberi, protista aquático da classe Mesomycetozoa. Acomete principalmente a mucosa nasal e a transmissão está associada ao contato com água contaminada. Este trabalho descreve sete casos de rinosporidiose em equinos no Rio Grande do Sul em um período de 13 anos. A doença afetou predominantemente cavalos de raça, como Crioulo e Puro Sangue Inglês, sem predisposição sexual evidente e a idade variou de dois a 25 anos, com a mediana de 10 anos. Macroscopicamente foram caracterizadas por pólipos unilaterais (85,7%; 6/7) ou bilaterais (14,3%; 1/7). Os pólipos eram macios a friáveis, esbranquiçados a róseos, com aspecto de couve flor e com superfície irregular, por vezes ulcerada, medindo 2,5 a 6,0cm de diâmetro. Havia infiltrado inflamatório piogranulomatoso acentuado na submucosa associado à moderada proliferação do epitélio e numerosas estruturas arredondadas compatíveis com esporângios de R. seeberi. A rinosporidiose deve ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial de outras patologias que acometem o trato respiratório de equinos, sendo importante a realização da histopatologia para diagnóstico.(AU)

Palatal rhinosporidiosis: an unusual case report and review of the literature

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic, granulomatous, mucocutaneous infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi . The infection is non-contagious and sporadic in humans. The site most commonly affected is the mucous membrane of the nose and nasopharynx, followed by the oropharynx, trachea, bronchi, ear, eye, and genitourinary tract. It can also spread to other areas through blood and lymph. Here, we report a case of rhinosporidiosis affecting the palate in a 60-year-old female patient.

Clinicopathological Study of Rhinosporidiosis: A Study of 20 Cases in Government ENT Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana – A Tertiary Care Center

Background: Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi which was once believed to be a sporozoan and then was included in phycomycetes, and now included under Mesomycetozoa. It is one of the common tropical diseases, most commonly affecting the mucosa of upper respiratory tract, chiefly the nose and nasopharynx. Other sites such as conjunctiva, lacrimal glands and subcutaneous tissue may also get infected. It presents as polypoidal mass. Aim and objective: To study incidence, age and gender distribution and clinicopathological features of Rhinosporidiosis. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of 20 cases was undertaken over a period of 5 years (July 2012 to June 2017) in the Department of Pathology, Government ENT Hospital, Hyderabad. The resected tissue specimens were subjected to routine processing, cutting; staining and histopathological features were studied with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain. Results: Nasal cavity was most commonly involved site, excepting in one case, where sub-glottis was involved. Males were predominantly affected i.e. 17 (85%) cases, whereas 3 (15%) cases were reported in females. Age range was between 8-70 years. (Both of them were males). N. Sreemani Kumari, Madhavi Parigi, Seema Afroze. Clinicopathological Study of Rhinosporidiosis: A Study of 20 Cases in Government ENT Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana - A Tertiary Care Center. IAIM, 2017; 4(8): 103-107. Page 104 Conclusion: Rhinosporidiosis most commonly presents as polypoidal mass in the nasal cavity and may also present at extra-nasal sites. Histopathology is the standard method for confirmation of diagnosis

Rinosporidiosis nasal: reporte de un nuevo caso y revisión de la literatura / Nasal rhinosporidiosis: new case report and review

La rinosporidiosis es una enfermedad granulomatosa rara producida por el microorganismo Rhinosporidium seeberi. A pesar de ser considerada una infección endémica en algunas zonas de Asia, en nuestro país es una enfermedad extremadamente rara. Se presenta el caso clínico de un escolar de 10 años que consulta por aumento de volumen en fosa nasal izquierda de 1 mes de evolución, de crecimiento progresivo, con epistaxis autolimitada, presentando al examen físico una lesión polipoídea, en la cual, no existiendo sospecha previa, se determinó mediante histopatología la presencia de rinosporidio-sis. Se discute la epidemiología de la enfermedad, sus mecanismos de diseminación, alternativas de tratamiento y principales complicaciones.

Rhinosporidiosis is a rare granulomatous disease produced by the microorganism Rhinosporidium seeberi. Despite being considered an endemic infection in some areas of Asia, in our country it is an extremely rare disease. We present the case of a 10 year-old boy who consult for increased volumen in the left nostril of 1 month evolution, with progressive growth, self-limited epistaxis, and a physical examination with a polypoid lesion, in which there were no prior suspicion, histopathology determined the presence of rhinosporidiosis. Epidemiology of the disease, its dissemination mechanisms, treatment options and major complications are discussed.

Rhinosporidiosis: the largest case series in Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic infection of the mucous membrane and is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic mesomycetozoan. The mode of infection is probably transepithelial penetration. The large number of rivers and lakes and the strong presence of riparian populations in the State of Maranhão are strong predisposing factors for rhinosporidiosis. METHODS: A 5-year retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary medical center situated in Maranhão, Northeast Brazil. Twenty-five Maranhense patients diagnosed with rhinosporidiosis were analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the patients were children, adolescents and young adults (age range: 7-24 years, mean age: 14 years). The majority of the participants were male (84%), brown (76%), and students (92%). All lesions involved the entire nasal cavity and presented with a vascular polypoid mass. All patients were treated by surgical excision of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Rhinosporidiosis affects younger age groups, especially students from the countryside and the outskirts of urban areas. This study will aid and guide physicians in diagnosing and treating this infection in endemic areas.

Rhinosporidioma: Primary Cutaneous Rhinosporidiosis - A Rare Case Report.

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. Rhinosporidium seeberi causes granulomatous inflammation of mucocutaneous sites, presenting most frequently as polypoidal lesions in the nose. Sites like the conjunctiva, trachea, nasopharnyx, skin, and genitourinary tract are less frequently involved. Primary cutaneous lesion is extremely rare and it is often mistaken for soft-tissue tumour. We present a case of 55 years male patient from Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, with primary cutaneous rhinosporidiosis without mucosal involvement.

A Case of Rhinosporidiosis of the Nasal Cavity / 대한이비인후과학회지

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, which is endemic to South India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa. It is primarily an infection of the nose. Although involvement of other parts of body has occasionally been reported, it rarely presents as a disseminated disease. We describe a case of nasal rhinosporidiosis in Korea and discuss its clinical manifestations and management.

Rhinosporidiosis of the tarsal conjunctiva.

Rhinosporidiosis is a rare infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an organism classified in its own class, mesomycetozoea. It commonly affects mucus membranes namely the nasal mucosa, pharynx and the conjunctiva. We present the case of an 8‑year‑old female who presented with a flat, red, vascular, fleshy, pedunculated mass arising from the tarsal conjunctiva of the right upper eyelid. The mass was completely excised. On histopathological examination, multiple sporangia were seen in various stages of degeneration, consistent with rhinosporidiosis. The diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis is based solely on its microscopic features, and the treatment is surgical excision. This condition is endemic in the temperate regions of the Indian subcontinent, but it has been known to occur even in the colder regions of North America and Eastern Europe. Although a rare clinical entity, the possibility of rhinosporidiosis must be borne in mind when evaluating any polypoidal conjunctival mass.

articleClinico-pathological study of 273 cases of rhinosporidiosis over a period of ten years in a tertiary care institute catering predominantly rural population of tribal origin.

Introduction: Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an organism whose taxonomy is still debated. The present study was aimed to document the clinico-pathological presentation of rhinosporidiosis in different parts in reference to caste, age and gender. Evaluation of diagnostic role of cytology in the diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis was also explored. Materials and Methods: All histology confirmed rhinosporidial cases were included in the study. Detailed clinical history and examination findings including previous hematological and cytological reports, if available, were collected and tabulated. Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and Mucicarmine stains were used over cyto- and histological slides, if necessary. Observations: Male cases were more frequent in these series though this sex difference is less pronounced among tribal population. Majority of the cases belonged to 21-40 years age group. Nose and nasopharynx was the commonest site of infection and polypoid mass lesions were the commonest presentation. Both scrape and aspiration cytology could successfully detect rhinosporidiosis in 100% cases. Discussion: Most of the cases are among poor-socioeconomic status and probably out-door activities and pond bathing habit. Haematological data correlation did not revealed any significant association. Histology is the preferred method for confirmed diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis. Rare cases of misdiagnosis can be avoided by use of special stains. Conclusion: Rhinosporidiosis commonly presents as polypoidal lesions in nose and extra-nasal sites. Histopathology is the standard method for confirmation of diagnosis. Cytology can be used as an adjunct for pre-operative diagnosis of extra-nasal rhinosporidiosis. We recommended use of special stains for diagnosis of difficult cases

Rhinosporidiosis: a clinicopathological study from a Rural Tertiary Health Care Centre, Bihar, India.

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous infection characterized by a bleeding polypoidal mass which commonly affects the nose and nasopharynx. The disease is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. It grows in stagnant water and is thought to be transmitted to human by infected soil and water by gaining entry through traumatized epithelium and mucosa of nose and nasopharynx. It has a high incidence of occurrence among rural population. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Methods: Totally, 26 patients of histologically proven cases of rhinosporidiosis were included in this clinicopathological study. The mode of presentation in all these patients was polypoidal nasal mass causing recurrent bleeding and nasal obstruction. The period of study was from May 2010 to April 2014. All patients treated surgically were followed-up from 6 months to 1 year. Results: There were 26 patients of histologically proven rhinosporidiosis of nose and nasopharynx. Of total 26 cases, there were 19 males and 9 female patients in our study with a male to female ratio of 2.7:1. The age of presentation varied from 14 years to 67 years, most patients presenting in the second to sixth decade of life with maximum patients in the third and fourth decade of life and were from rural and poor socio-economic background. Recurrent cases were given dapsone. Conclusion: Rhinosporidiosis which was previously thought to be a fungus is now considered as a protoctista parasite, which involves fish and other amphibians, a fungus like protozoa of the class mesomycetozoea.

Rinosporidiosis conjuntival diagnosticada mediante estudio histopatológico / Conjunctival rhinosporidiois diagnosed in a biopsy specimen

11 years old girl, from south region of Chile, without history of travels outside Chile nor the province, complaints of red eye with blepharitis and blood-tingued epiphora. Eye exam revealed a pseudomembrane. Clinical diagnosis was folicular conjunctivitis. A surgical removal was performed and the lesion sent to biopsy analysis. On microscopic examination numerous 50-150 μm cysts with keratinous wall and numerous endospores were found. Rinosporidiosis is an infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi that frecuently affects nasal cavity but could infect eye, urogenital tract and airways. This infections is considered endemic in Asia and Africa, but it is very important to have the suspicious among polyps in these areas because travel to endemic areas is become more frecuently.

Escolar de 11 años, de sexo femenino, proveniente de la Región del Bío-Bío, sin antecedentes de viajes, consultó por ojo rojo, blefaritis y epífora sanguinolenta; al examen oftalmológico reveló una pseudomembrana. La sospecha clínica fue de una conjuntivitis folicular. Se realizó la remoción quirúrgica de la lesión y en el estudio histopatológico se observaron lesiones características de rinosporidiosis, correspondiente a quistes de 50-150 μm con pared quitinosa y numerosas endosporas. La rinosporidiosis es una infección causada por Rhinosporidium seeberi, que afecta con mayor frecuencia la cavidad nasal, pero puede también afectar el ojo, aparato urogenital y la vía aérea, entre otros. Es considerado endémico en países de Asia y África, pero dado el aumento de viajes a estas regiones es importante reconocer este agente como causal de pólipos en la zona nasal y ocular.