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Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly: rare cause of pyrexia of unknown origin

Sanjay Verma1, Anju Aggarwal

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|May 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS), also known as Tropical splenomegaly syndrome (TSS), is typically seen in young adults. This report details a rare case of HMS in a three-year-old child presenting with prolonged fever and enlarged liver and spleen.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical medicine
  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Clinical case reports

Background:

  • Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS), or Tropical splenomegaly syndrome (TSS), is a clinical condition associated with high malaria transmission zones.
  • HMS typically affects young adults and is characterized by significant splenomegaly and abdominal discomfort, with fever being an infrequent symptom.

Observation:

  • A three-year-old child presented with pyrexia of unknown origin and hepatosplenomegaly.
  • This presentation is unusual as HMS is rarely diagnosed in children under eight years of age.

Findings:

  • The child was diagnosed with Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS).
  • This case highlights the potential for HMS to occur in younger pediatric populations, challenging the typical age demographic.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known age range for Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS) diagnosis.
  • It suggests that clinicians should consider HMS in the differential diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin with hepatosplenomegaly in young children from endemic areas.
  • Further research may be needed to understand the specific factors contributing to early-onset HMS.

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