An unusual case of anaemia in an octogenarian.
Older patients referred for further investigation of anaemia are common in a geriatric medicine clinic and it is important to consider a wide range of underlying diagnoses. We present an unusual case of anaemia in an octogenarian in whom a diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was made. This is a rare and unusual diagnosis in this cohort of patients, especially within the UK; however, it is important to identify it, given its high mortality if left untreated. Our case, presumably contracted while in Andalucia, Spain, highlights the need for awareness in this group of patients, especially when travel within Europe is becoming commonplace.
Care of the Elderly, Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesex, UK. louisemccusker03@hotmail.com
Louise
L
McCusker
John
J
Platt
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology*; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; C068538:liposomal amphotericin B; D000666:Amphotericin B