Abstract
We report the occurrence of visceral leishmaniasis in three patients coming from the northern part of Italy treated with immunosuppressive drugs for different rheumatic conditions. This paper highlights the importance of adequate work-up in those patients presenting with serious clinical manifestations that can complicate, exacerbate or mimic a systemic connective tissue disorder. A prompt diagnosis is very important because visceral leishmaniasis has a high mortality and, if untreated, can be fatal.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Aged
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Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
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Connective Tissue Diseases / complications*
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Connective Tissue Diseases / diagnosis*
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Connective Tissue Diseases / drug therapy
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Female
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Humans
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Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
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Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
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Italy
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Leishmaniasis, Visceral / complications*
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Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis*
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Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy
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Male
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Prognosis
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Risk Assessment
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Sampling Studies
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Severity of Illness Index
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Immunosuppressive Agents
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Amphotericin B