[Leishmaniasis with multiple cutaneous nodules]

Six weeks after a holiday trip to Yugoslavia, a previously well 48-year-old man developed a reddish-livid, firm nodule, 0.5 cm in diameter, on the proximal joint of the right thumb. A similar nodule appeared nearby, as well as over the left patella. Eleven additional nodules occurred over the next 4 months. His general health remained good and physical examination merely noted the liver edge palpable 3 cm below the costal margin. The histology of one of the nodules showed a tuberculoid, plasma-rich inflammatory reaction reminiscent of leishmaniasis or brucellosis. No organisms were seen. Immunohistochemistry of a frozen section demonstrated Leishmania-associated antigens, and the Western-blot test was characteristic for leishmaniasis. No systemic treatment was undertaken because of likely alcoholic toxic liver damage. On local treatment with paromomycin-containing ointment the cutaneous nodules healed without scar within 3 months.