Chronic falciparum malaria causing massive splenomegaly 9 years after leaving an endemic area

Med J Aust. 2005 Feb 21;182(4):186-8. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2005.tb06652.x.

Abstract

A 28-year-old woman from Sudan who had lived for 9 years in Victoria, Australia, was diagnosed with falciparum malaria 2 months after splenectomy for massive splenomegaly of unknown cause. Chronic falciparum malaria can occasionally present years after leaving endemic areas in partially immune patients. It should be considered in such patients with presentations possibly related to malaria, including splenomegaly, anaemia, or a long history of intermittent fevers and chills.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Endemic Diseases*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum / complications*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / diagnosis
  • Malaria, Falciparum / epidemiology
  • Splenomegaly / microbiology*
  • Sudan / epidemiology
  • Time Factors
  • Victoria