Visceral leishmaniasis with pleural effusion in an immunocompetent patient

• DOI: 10.4103/0970-2113.125913
• Publication Date: 2014-01-28T12:00:52Z
• Authors: Senjuti Dasgupta; Moutushi Saha; Sudipta Chakrabarti; Jayati Chakraborty
• Keywords: Diseases of the respiratory system; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; pleural effusion; RC705-779; visceral leishmaniasis; Case Report; Immunocompetent patient; 3. Good health

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is usually characterized by splenomegaly, pallor and fever. Pleural effusion is an uncommon feature of this disease, which is encountered in immunocompromised patients. Here, we report a case of VL with pleural effusion in an immunocompetent patient. Pulmonary symptoms in VL are usually related to bacterial lung infection, vagal nerve compression by splenomegaly, and hypoalbuminaemia with mild pulmonary edema. Our patient presented with cough and chest pain. The clinical features of this case were baffling since they mimicked that of pulmonary tuberculosis. This case report emphasizes the need to recognize the diverse nature of presentation of this curable yet fatal infectious disease.