Trypanosomiasis presenting with trypanids and complicated by myopericarditis
Dupont, B.; Charmot, G.; Lapresle, C.
La Nouvelle Presse Medicale 8(19): 1579-1581
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1518 PMID: 492976 Document Number: 152117
A 26-year-old French man, who had made several visits to trypanosome endemic areas in Africa, developed lesions due to erythema marginatum which progressed over a 2-year period despite various forms of treatment. Multiple lymphadenopathy and a greatly accelerated blood sedimentation rate were then discovered, suggestive of trypanosomiasis. The diagnosis was confirmed by the discovery of Trypanosoma gambiense in the blood and lymph node aspirate. In addition, there was an albumino-lymphocytic reaction in the cerebro-spinal fluid and an atrioventricular block was discovered. The symptoms responded to treatment with melarsoprol, but a pericardial reaction developed, possibly of immuno-allergic origin.