Visceral leishmaniasis with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Issue 2 (13th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: George, John Titus; Sadiq, Mohammad; Sigamani, Elanthenral; Mathuram, Alice Joan
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 12:Issue 2(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-02-13
• Subjects: tropical medicine (infectious disease) -- medical management -- immunology; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 27-year-old man presented with high-grade intermittent fever for 4 months, generalised fatigue for 2 months, intermittent gum bleeds for 1 month and loss of weight of 15 kg. He appeared cachectic with generalised wasting, had pallor and features of reticuloendothelial system proliferation. His liver span was 17 cm. He had massive splenomegaly. His cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological examination were normal. He was diagnosed to have visceral leishmaniasis (VL) based on bone marrow (BM) examination that showed Leishmania donovani (LD) bodies and was treated with liposomal amphotericin (LA). During the course of therapy, he developed bleeding from various mucosal and venepuncture sites. His further evaluation, which included a repeat BM aspirate, showed haemophagocytes. Final diagnosis made was VL with secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. He was continued on LA with intravenous hydrocortisone. He developed refractory distributive shock with multiorgan dysfunction and succumbed to his illness.