Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde
Volume 160, Issue 43, 2016

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in a syrian refugee [Cutane leishmaniasis bij een Syrische vluchteling] (Article)

De Wild M. , Wiersma F.H. , Wolfs T.F.W. , Van Hasselt P.M.*
  • a UMC Utrecht, Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • b UMC Utrecht, Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • c UMC Utrecht, Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • d UMC Utrecht, Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, Utrecht, Netherlands

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is rare in the Netherlands, but it is endemic to Syria. The disease can manifest itself many years after initial exposure. Given the arrival of Syrian refugees in the Netherlands, awareness of this disease entity is warranted. Case description: A 5-year-old boy from Syria had investigations for hepatosplenomegaly. As an incidental finding a solitary, moderately demarcated, erythematous plaque was noted on his right cheek. It measured 4 × 2 cm and had a central haemorrhagic, exudative, honey-yellow slough. Due to the hepatosplenomegaly, as well as cutaneous leishmaniasis we also included its visceral form in the differential diagnosis. Additional investigations confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Conclusion: Given the rising incidence of leishmaniasis in Syria, the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis should be considered in a Syrian refugee who has an ulcerating nodule or plaque. A timely local treatment may improve long-term cosmetic outcome.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Netherlands differential diagnosis refugee human cosmetic cheek hepatomegaly exudate erythematous plaque viscera male case report preschool child bleeding medical information Article Syrian erythema endemic disease skin leishmaniasis Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84994525509&partnerID=40&md5=9ac287fd7968db5b8ff88e9f5fc8efd2
ISSN: 00282162
Cited by: 1
Original Language: Dutch