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Fake imported tropical diseases: A retrospective study
A Romero-Alegría, M Hernandez Cabrera, V Velasco-Tirado
1Moncef Belhassen-García, Servicio de Medicina Interna. Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas. CAUSA. IBSAL. CIETUS, Universidad de Salamanca. Paseo San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca Spain. mbelhassen@hotmail.com.
Summary
When evaluating suspected imported diseases, consider autochthonous causes to prevent misdiagnosis. This study found cancer in one-third of patients with autochthonous diseases, emphasizing a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Tropical Diseases
- Diagnostic Challenges
Background:
- Evaluating patients with suspected imported diseases requires careful consideration of local (autochthonous) conditions.
- Misdiagnosis and treatment delays can occur if autochthonous diseases mimicking imported pathologies are overlooked.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cases where imported diseases were suspected but autochthonous conditions were diagnosed.
- To highlight the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic strategy in internal medicine, particularly in tropical disease settings.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, descriptive longitudinal study was conducted.
- Patients were selected from two internal medicine practices specializing in tropical diseases in Spain (2008-2017).
- Focus was on patients initially suspected of having an imported disease but ultimately diagnosed with autochthonous processes.
Main Results:
- 16 patients were included; 11 (68.7%) were male, mean age 43.4 years.
- 13 patients (81.2%) were travelers, with origins from Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
- Diagnoses included autochthonous infection (31.2%), cancer (31.2%), inflammatory disease (12.5%), and vascular disease (12.5%).
Conclusions:
- Travel history can be misleading when diagnosing autochthonous diseases, potentially causing diagnostic delays.
- Cancer was a significant finding (31.2%) among autochthonous diseases in this cohort.
- A comprehensive approach by internists, especially those specializing in infectious/tropical diseases, is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
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