Visceral leishmaniasis complicating a connective tissue disease: three case reports from Italy

Abstract

We report the occurrence of visceral leishmaniasis in three patients coming from the northern part of Italy treated with immunosuppressivedrugs for different rheumatic conditions. This paper highlights the importance of adequate work-up in those patients presenting with serious clinical manifestations that can complicate, exacerbateor mimic a systemic connectivetissue disorder.A prompt diagnosis is very important because visceral leishmaniasis has a high mortality and, if untreated, can be fatal.