title: Progressive visceral leishmaniasis misdiagnosed as cirrhosis of the liver: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease which is caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and characterized in most cases by the presence of fever as well as signs and symptoms similar to those found in liver cirrhosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this case report we describe the history of a 50-year-old Caucasian man incorrectly diagnosed as having hepatitis C virus-associated liver cirrhosis, with a massive weight loss of around 100 kg during the previous 2 years. However, suspecting a lymphoproliferative disorder, we were able to make a correct diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis by bone marrow examination. After a course of therapy with Liposomal Amphotericin-B the patient recovered and now, 20 months post-treatment, he is well and has regained a good part of the lost weight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case taught us that patients with massive splenomegaly, even with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, should be investigated for infectious or lymphoproliferative diseases.
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Giannitrapani
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Soresi
authors.forename: Emanuele
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: La Spada
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tripodo
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Montalto