Case Report: An Atypical Case of Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis with Ulcers and Verrucous Lesions: Clinical and Therapeutic Implications

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2023 Nov 27;110(1):40-43. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0448. Print 2024 Jan 3.

Abstract

About 75% cases of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) occur in India. Although the classic description of PKDL is the progression from initial hypopigmented macular lesions to papules to plaques and nodular lesions, atypical morphologies are also seen and are easily missed or misdiagnosed. We report a case of a 27-year-old man who presented to us with multiple acral ulcers and verrucous lesions for 5 years. A diagnosis of PKDL was made based on slit skin smear, histopathology, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The patient was given combination therapy with four doses of liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine 50 mg twice daily for 45 days. In this report, we discuss unusual morphologies of PKDL, the pathway to the diagnosis, and the therapeutic options available along with their efficacy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiprotozoal Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous* / complications
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous* / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous* / drug therapy
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / complications
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Ulcer / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents