Intravenous Pentamidine Rescue Treatment for Active Chronic Visceral Leishmaniasis in an HIV-1 Infected Patient

The management of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in HIV-infected patients is complex because of high mortality rates, toxic drug-related side effects, and a high risk of treatment failure and relapse. We report a case of active chronic VL in an HIV-1-infected woman presenting multiple secondary VL episodes over 7 years leading to massive splenomegaly and blood transfusion-dependent anemia despite several treatment courses and secondary prophylaxis. The patient was finally successfully treated with rescue treatment based on intravenous pentamidine. Twenty months after discontinuation of pentamidine the patient presented complete clinical and parasitological response. In patients with active chronic VL, treatment with intravenous pentamidine can be effective and should be considered as rescue treatment.

Automated summary

The management of visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-infected patients is complex, but intravenous pentamidine rescue treatment can be effective for patients with active chronic VL.