Disseminated histoplasmosis in a liver transplant recipient

Abstract

A 61-yr-old liver transplant recipient presented with abdominal cramping and nonbloody diarrhea resulting in orthostasis. Multiple ulcerations throughout the colon were seen during endoscopy, and biopsies from the ulcer edges revealed histoplasmosis. Treatment with a course of itraconazole improved the diarrhea. The patient later presented with pericarditis and symptomatic pleural effusions, the latter of which was confirmed to be a result of disseminated histoplasmosis. Treatment with amphotericin B led to resolution. Histoplasmosis should be considered in liver transplant patients with diarrhea and large ulcers in the colon. The presence of disseminated histoplasmosis should be ruled out once colonic histoplasmosis has been diagnosed. © 2006 AASLD.