Background
Tongue necrosis is a rare entity as the tongue is a highly vascularized structure supplied by the lingual artery, a branch of the external carotid artery. Tongue necrosis typically presents with unilateral lingual pain, swelling, discoloration and, in severe cases, necrosis. There are many underlying factors that can contribute to the development of tongue necrosis (Table 1). Giant cell arteritis (GCA), ANCA (Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody)-associated vasculitis and other vasculitides have been previously described as underlying systemic causes of tongue necrosis [1-4]. Other potential causes include infection (particularly tuberculosis and syphilis), malignancy, radiation therapy, use of vasoconstricting medications and systemic hypoperfusion such as in the setting of shock [1]. This case report adds histoplasmosis to this list of differential diagnoses.