Miltefosine for disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis

Abstract

Disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis is a rare presentation characterized by hematogenousdissemination of the parasite that causes the appearance of multiple nodules and plaques inthe skin of the whole body and even including the nasal mucous membrane. It differs fromdiffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis because the alteration in cellular immunity is lower and thelesions may have epidermal desquamation. On the other hand, diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasispresents nodular lesions and a specific anergy in the immune response directed against theparasite. This article describes the case of a Colombian patient with disseminated cutaneousleishmaniasis caused by L. (V) panamensis. The initial treatments with Glucantime® andAmphotericin B failed, but his lesions healed after treatment with miltefosine.