Abstract
Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS) – originally referred to as tropical splenomegaly syndrome – is characterized by a massive splenomegaly, high titres of anti-malarial antibodies and polyclonal IgM hypergammaglobulinemia. It is believed to be a consequence of an aberrant immunological response to prolonged exposure to malarial parasites. Although it is a frequent disease in the tropics, it is infrequent in western countries and is only seen in long-term residents from endemic areas. We describe the case of a 67-year-old Spanish man, a missionary in Cameroon for 30 years, who presented with a clinical history that fulfilled the diagnosis of HMS. We discuss the role and importance of PCR-based techniques in demonstrating lowgrade malarial parasitemia and the usefulness of new rapid antigen-detecting dipstick tests.
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Mothe, B., Lopez-Contreras, J., Torres, O.H. et al. A Case of Hyper-reactive Malarial Splenomegaly. The Role of Rapid Antigen-detecting and PCR-based Tests. Infection 36, 167–169 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-007-6025-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-007-6025-z