Visceral leishmaniasis with splenic nodules: Case report

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is transmitted to humans by the bite of sandflies. VL is an endemic parasitic disease which is characterized by fever, splenomegaly and pancytopenia in most of the cases. Delays in diagnosis of VL are common because of nonspecific symptoms and variable incubation time. Specific serology and polymerase chain reaction are useful for the diagnosis. Anti-K39 strip test is highly sensitive. Splenic multifocal hypoechoic nodules should be evaluated for VL with clinical and laboratory features in patient. Herein we report a twenty-two month-old female infant with diagnosis of VL who presented with recurrent fever, pancytopenia and ultrasonography revealed enlarged spleen with multifocal hypoechoic nodules. We considered that splenic nodules can help to diagnosis of VL in children as literature case reports support to this situation.