ABSTRACT

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the parasitic infections causing different pathogeneses of various systems including intraabdominal solid organs. L. donovani and L.infantum, particularly in Turkey, have been diagnosed in systemic infections. In the present case study, a 43-year-old woman with left upper abdominal pain, persistent fever and splenic pathology according to the radiological findings was investigated. Laboratory findings showed elevated liver function tests and anemia while radiological studies revealed splenomegaly, and nodular infiltration and laceration of the spleen. Because of enlarged intraabdominal lymph nodes observed during surgery, a lymph node biopsy and a liver biopsy were also performed along with the splenectomy. Results from the pathological examination of the spleen were nonspecific and the liver biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of granulomatosis hepatitis. Further examination of the hepatic granulomatosis including parasitic evaluation and serological evaluation with the rK39 dipstick test revealed VL. In conclusion, in cases of visceral organ pathology accompanied by persistent fever, and hematological disorders, parasitic infections, particularly VL, should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Keywords: Parasitic infection, visceral leishmaniasis, granulomatosis hepatitis