Laryngeal candidiasis. Report of seven cases and review of the literature.

Although infections due to Candida have become increasingly recognized in recent years, laryngeal candidiasis remains a poorly described and infrequently diagnosed manifestation of mucous membrane candidal infection. Seven cases of isolated laryngeal candidiasis (ILC) have been identified at our institution during the past eight years (one before and six after death). Clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic findings from those seven cases, as well as from 12 additional cases reported in the literature, are reviewed. When hoarseness and dysphagia occur in patients with significant underlying disease who are receiving broad-spectrum antimicrobic therapy, a diagnosis of ILC should be considered. The diagnostic procedure of choice is indirect laryngoscopy with specimens submitted for culture and histopathologic study. On confirmation of the diagnosis, amphotericin B is the recommended therapy. Early treatment may limit morbidity and prevent systemic candidal dissemination.