European Journal of Internal Medicine
Volume 18, Issue 3 , Pages 235-237, May 2007

Visceral leishmaniasis diagnosed in a patient with MALT lymphoma

  • J. Kaae

      Affiliations

    • Department of Hematology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +45 28 78 43 17; fax: +45 32 68 31 65.
    • ,
  • P. Nørgaard

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pathology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark
    • ,
  • B. Himmelstrup

      Affiliations

    • Department of Hematology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark

Received 18 October 2005; received in revised form 13 July 2006; accepted 19 September 2006.

Abstract 

We report a case of visceral leishmaniasis in a 66-year-old female with a history of MALT lymphoma in the gastrointestinal tract. The patient presented with major hemorrhage per rectum and perforation of the small intestine. Due to unexplained decreasing platelets, lymphoma bone marrow involvement was suspected and bone marrow examination was performed. Surprisingly, Leishman-Donovan bodies were detected. The low platelet count, caused by the combination of MALT lymphoma and visceral leishmaniasis, appears to have aggravated the symptoms of the intestinal lymphoma. Leishmaniasis should be suspected even among asymptomatic patients with immune compromising illnesses and a travel history to areas where leishmaniasis is endemic.

Keywords: MALT lymphoma, Leishmaniasis, Tumor lysis syndrome, Immunosuppressive disease

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0953-6205(07)00036-2

doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2006.09.033

European Journal of Internal Medicine
Volume 18, Issue 3 , Pages 235-237, May 2007

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution