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Visceral larva migrans mimicking rheumatic diseases
A Kraus1, X Valencia, A R Cabral
1Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Visceral larva migrans (VLM) syndrome can present with a wider range of rheumatologic symptoms than previously recognized. This study identified arthralgia, panniculitis, and vasculitis in patients with VLM.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Visceral larva migrans (VLM) syndrome is a human parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of nematodes.
- Rheumatologic manifestations of VLM are not well-characterized.
Observation:
- A prospective study in Mexico City identified 6 patients with VLM between 1990 and 1993.
- Patients presented with arthralgia, migratory cutaneous lesions, monoarthritis, edema, testicular swelling, panniculitis, and small vessel vasculitis.
Findings:
- Three patients experienced arthralgia.
- Four patients had a history of migratory skin lesions.
- Panniculitis was confirmed by biopsy in two cases, and small vessel vasculitis in one.
Implications:
- The spectrum of rheumatologic manifestations in VLM may be broader than previously understood.
- Early recognition of these diverse symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of VLM.