Diffuse (anergic) cutaneous leishmaniasis responding to amphotericin B.
American cutaneous leishmaniasis is an important endemic zoonotic disease in the New World that comprises a spectrum of clinical manifestations. Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) is a rare form of the disease characterized by antigen-specific immunodeficiency that often presents with multiple disfiguring non-ulcerated confluent nodules or plaques that involve large areas of the skin, resembling lepromatous leprosy. Relapse is invariable in advanced stages, despite aggressive chemotherapy, and a plethora of drugs has been tested with unchanging results. We report on a severe an exceptional case that resolved after treatment with amphotericin B, a drug considered only mildly effective, and discuss the therapeutic approach to this disease.
Morrison
B
B
New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Mendoza
I
I
Delgado
D
D
Reyes Jaimes
O
O
Aranzazu
N
N
Paniz Mondolfi
A E
AE
D000293:Adolescent; D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D016774:Leishmaniasis, Diffuse Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D000666:Amphotericin B