Disseminated rhinosporidiosis with unusual involvement of the nail apparatus

Abstract

Rhinosporidiosis is an uncommon chronic granulomatous disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. It primarily affects the nasal mucosa and the nasopharynx. The disease may disseminate to the skin, larynx, trachea, genitalia, bones and even the internal organs. Although simultaneous onset of nasal and disseminated lesions has been reported, dissemination usually occurs several years after the onset of nasal lesions. We report a rare case of disseminated rhinosporidiosis involving both nares, the nasal mucosa, nasopharynx, oral cavity and oropharynx, as well as widespread cutaneous lesions over the trunk and the limbs with nail involvement. This last feature has not, to our knowledge, been previously reported.