study of twenty-two cases of tropical splenomegaly and chloroquine therapy

ABSTRACT

Twenty-two adults [14 male and 8 female] who presented with tropical splenomegaly syndrome [TSS] were studied. The majority [77.2%] had complaints related to a grossly enlarged spleen while 91% had anaemia [Hb <10g%] which was microytic hypochromic in 13 [59%] and normocytic normochromic in 9 [41%]. IgM values were raised in 86.6% of patients; it had no relation to the size of spleen. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen showed normal echotexture of the liver in 18 [81.8%] patients and diffuse liver abnormality in 4 [18.2%] with a mean portal vein size of 11 mm. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed normal liver architecture, sinusoidal and periportal lymphocytic infiltration and Kupffer cell hyperplasia in all patients. A good clinical response was observed in all patients by laboratory parameters after long term chloroquine therapy