Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with visceral leishmaniasis in late adulthood

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Mar;88(3):575-7. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0563. Epub 2013 Jan 16.

Abstract

We describe a case of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis related to visceral leishmaniasis in late adulthood. Because clinical features of visceral leishmaniasis can mimic those of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, diagnosing leishmaniasis as the underlying etiology can be quite challenging. In our case, treatment with amphotericin B resulted in a dramatic resolution of clinical abnormalities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / complications
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / pathology
  • Hepatomegaly / etiology
  • Hepatomegaly / pathology
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / complications*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / pathology
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / complications*
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / pathology
  • Male
  • Splenomegaly / etiology
  • Splenomegaly / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Dexamethasone
  • Amphotericin B