Clinical and PET/CT metabolic imaging characteristics across the evolving spectrum of visceral leishmaniasis and associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis - Report - MDSpire
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Clinical and PET/CT metabolic imaging characteristics across the evolving spectrum of visceral leishmaniasis and associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Clinical Report: Metabolic Imaging and Clinical Features in VL and HLH
Overview
This study investigates the clinical and PET/CT imaging characteristics of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and its association with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH. A risk score based on C-reactive protein and spleen thickness was developed to identify patients at risk for VL-HLH.
Background
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a global health concern with high mortality rates if untreated. The progression to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) complicates the clinical picture, necessitating timely diagnosis. Understanding the metabolic imaging characteristics can aid in distinguishing between VL and VL-HLH.
Data Highlights
Group
C-reactive protein
Spleen thickness
Spleen SUVmax
D-dimer
Ferritin
VL-only (n=7)
Lower
Thinner
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
VL-HLH (n=8)
Higher
Thicker
100%
r=0.82
r=0.69
Key Findings
No significant differences in age, sex, or main symptoms among VL groups.
VL-HLH group had higher C-reactive protein levels and greater spleen thickness compared to VL-only group (P<0.05).
PET/CT identified spleen (100%) and bone marrow (77.8%) as primary metabolic targets.
Strong positive correlations were found between splenic SUVmax and D-dimer (r=0.82, p<0.01) and ferritin (r=0.69, p<0.05).
A risk score based on C-reactive protein and spleen thickness was developed.
Clinical Implications
The findings emphasize the role of metabolic imaging in assessing VL and its complications.
Conclusion
This study presents the metabolic characteristics of VL and VL-HLH.
