Visceral leishmaniasis resembling systemic lupus erythematosus

Clin Rheumatol. 2003 Dec;22(6):452-5. doi: 10.1007/s10067-003-0773-7. Epub 2003 Oct 31.

Abstract

We describe three cases with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) associated with autoimmune manifestations. The patients presented with anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, renal involvement and low complement levels. Autoimmune features were present (antinuclear and anticardiolipin antibodies, VDRL, RF, positive direct Coombs' test), which subsided after therapy. Leishmaniasis should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of autoimmune disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphotericin B / administration & dosage
  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Leishmania / isolation & purification*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / blood
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sampling Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Amphotericin B