Visceral leishmaniasis misdiagnosed as an upper respiratory infection and iron-deficiency anemia in a 20-month-old male patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Visceral Leishmaniasis should be suspected in every patient with a history of splenomegaly, fever, and pancytopenia. It is one of the most dangerous forms of infection and prompt recognition is the key to positive outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20-month-old Caucasian male patient was brought to our hospital as an outpatient with the complaint of persistent fever, which did not improve with empiric antibiotic treatment (> 96 hour after the initial dose). The antibiotic treatment had been prescribed by primary care physician at polyclinic, who also referred the patient to hematologist due to anemia, who prescribed iron supplement. Despite multiple subspecialist visits, bicytopenia was, unfortunately, left unidentified. Upon physical examination no specific signs were detected, however, spleen seemed slightly enlarged. Patient was admitted to the hospital for further work-up, management and evaluation. Abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count and c-reactive protein had been ordered. Hematologist and infectionist were involved, both advised to run serology for Epstein-Barr Virus and Visceral Leishmaniasis. The latter was positive; therefore, patient was transferred to the specialized clinic for specific management. CONCLUSION: Both in endemic and non-endemic areas the awareness about VL should be increased among the medical professionals. We also recommend that our colleagues take the same approach when dealing with bicytopenia and fever, just as with pancytopenia and fever. The medical community should make sure that none of the cases of fever and pancytopenia are overlooked, especially if we have hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly.

Rare presentation and retrograde diagnosis of total colonic aganglionosis in a female infant: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Total colonic aganglionosis is an extremely rare variant of Hirschsprung's disease, which is predominant in males and can be seen in 1:50,000 live births. The presented case not only depicts a rare case, but also unusual clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-day-old Caucasian female newborn was transferred to our hospital from maternity. The initial presentation was reverse peristalsis, abdominal distention, and inability to pass stool. Fever had started before the patient was transferred. Hirschsprung's disease was suspected, and tests such as contrast enema and rectal suction biopsy were done. Before enterostomy, the management of the disease included fluid resuscitation, colonic irrigation, antibiotic administration, enteral feeding, and supportive therapy. During ileostomy operation, no transition zone was visualized and full-thickness biopsy samples were retrieved from the rectum and descending colon. After surgical intervention, status significantly improved-defervescence and weight gain most importantly improved. CONCLUSION: It is well known that diagnosis of total colonic aganglionosis may be delayed for months or even years since the transition zone may not be visible and rectal suction biopsy, unlike full-thickness biopsy, is not always reliable. It might be more prudent not to be derailed because of negative radiography and rectal suction biopsy. Also, doctors should be more suspicious of the disease if signs and symptoms are starting to be consistent with Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis, despite biopsy and radiology results.