Rhinosporidiosis: A Rare Cause of Proptosis and an Imaging Dilemma for Sinonasal Masses

Abstract

Background. Rhinosporidiosis is a common disease entity in tropical countries; however, it can be encountered in other parts of the world as well due to increasing medical tourism. It may mimic other more malignant and vigorous pathologies of the involved part. Case Report. We present a case of a 36-year-old male presenting with proptosis due to involvement of nasolacrimal duct which is rare. We will discuss typical CT and MRI features of the disease which were present in the case. Conclusion. For a surgeon and a radiologist, this is a necessary differential to be kept in mind for sinonasal masses. CT and MRI are invaluable investigations. However, FNAC is confirmatory. Both clinical and radiological aspects are required to reach correct diagnosis.

Nasal rhinosporidiosis masquerading as pyogenic granuloma in a pediatric patient at a Zonal Referral Hospital in Central Tanzania: Case report

“…2,10,11 Rhinosporidiosis may be transmitted by direct contact with spores through dust, infected clothing, and swimming in stagnant water. 7,8,12,13 However, the disease remains to be very rare in our country; yet, there are some countries that have reported several cases including Nigeria. 8 The diagnosis of nasal rhinosporidiosis is established by observing the characteristics of the causative organisms in nasal tissue biopsies like sporangia that may be at variable stages of maturation.…”

“…In terms of race and sex predilection, there is no racial predominance and males are more affected than females, especially those aged 15–40 years with male to female ratio being 4:1 2,10,11 . Rhinosporidiosis may be transmitted by direct contact with spores through dust, infected clothing, and swimming in stagnant water 7,8,12,13 . However, the disease remains to be very rare in our country; yet, there are some countries that have reported several cases including Nigeria 8 .…”

Synchronous nasal rhinosporidiosis and inverted papilloma in a paediatric patient in Dodoma, Tanzania: Case report

“…1,2,12 The mode of transmission of rhinosporidiosis may be by direct contact with spores and this can be through dust, infected clothing and swimming in stagnant water. 1,8,[12][13][14] The diagnosis of nasal rhinosporidiosis is usually established by observing the characteristics of the implicated etiological agent in nasal tissue biopsies like sporangia. The sporangia when examined in nasal tissue biopsies may be visible at variable stages of maturation.…”