Hepatosplenic yeast infection in patients with acute leukemia: a diagnostic problem

Abstract

The occurrence of hepatosplenic candidiasis following prolonged neutropenic periods has emerged as a major problem for patients with leukemia. In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of various available procedures, we analyzed our findings regarding 26 leukemic patients with hepatosplenic candidiasis. A significantly increased level (> 50 mg/L) of serum C-reactive protein (S-CRP) was significantly more common than a daily fever (for which the mean temperature peak was > 37.5 degrees C) or raised levels of liver enzymes (serum alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, or alkaline phosphatase). Focal changes in the liver, spleen, or kidneys were detected in > 90% of the patients examined by computed tomography (CT) but in < 50% of those examined by ultrasonography. Seventeen diagnoses were based on the findings from microscopy of samples obtained invasively, whereas a positive fungal culture was the basis of the diagnosis for only five patients. In conclusion, monitoring the S-CRP level after a patient's recovery from neutropenia is useful in that its elevation is cause for early suspicion of hepatosplenic candidiasis. In detection of the hepatosplenic foci, CT is superior to ultrasonography. For establishing the specific diagnosis, aggressive collection of samples for microscopy is essential.