Leishmaniasis of the eyelid mimicking an infundibular cyst and review of the literature on ocular leishmaniasis

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infection caused by protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. The disease is transmitted by sandflies. Reservoirs are represented by dogs, mice, rats, and wild rodents. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is usually characterized by a single, polymorphous lesion located in an uncovered area. We report a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis localized on the left upper eyelid in a 36-year-old woman. The disease was characterized by a single, asymptomatic nodule, which was clinically diagnosed as an inflammatory infundibular cyst. The lesion was excised surgically. Histopathological examination showed an inflammatory infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and plasma cells. Several Leishmania spp amastigotes were observed in the cytoplasm of macrophages. Culture examination on Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle medium was positive for Leishmania spp. PCR was positive for Leishmania infantum. No relapses were observed during follow-up (17 months). The purpose of this report is to emphasize the changeability of clinical presentation in cutaneous leishmaniasis.