An uncommon infection in an uncommon host

Area of Science:

• Medical Diagnostics
• Infectious Diseases
• Nephrology

Background:

• Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common genetic disorder.
• Patients with ADPKD are susceptible to various infections, particularly in the liver and kidneys.
• Recurring fevers in ADPKD patients can indicate complex infectious processes.

Observation:

• A case study of an international traveler presenting with recurrent fevers.
• Diagnosis included amoebiasis, non-amoebic bacterial hepatitis, and underlying autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
• Positron emission tomography (PET) was utilized for diagnostic evaluation.

Findings:

• PET imaging proved valuable in identifying the source of infection in a patient with ADPKD and suspected hepatic involvement.
• The study highlights the utility of PET in confirming clinical resolution of infections in challenging cases.
• Hepatic parenchymal infections in ADPKD necessitate prolonged antibiotic therapy.

Implications:

• Positron emission tomography (PET) is a crucial tool for diagnosing and monitoring infections in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
• Early and accurate diagnosis of hepatic and renal infections in ADPKD is essential for effective management.
• Prolonged, rotating antibiotic courses may be required for hepatic parenchymal infections in ADPKD patients, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment strategies.