Endomyocardial fibrosis associated with Schistosoma haematobium infection.

Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a form of restrictive cardiomyopathy common in the tropics and subtropics. The aetiology of EMF is unknown but helminth infestations such as schistosomiasis have been implicated. Two boys aged 8 and 10 years with EMF associated with Schistosoma haematobium, are described. The schistosomes in both cases may have been acquired from contact with contaminated water collected and stored in containers and subsequently used for bathing. Both patients were managed conservatively. Overall prognosis of EMF is poor and this report emphasizes the importance of public health interventions in the control of schistosomiasis.

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a Ghanaian child.

We report a case of a previously well nine-month-old infant who presented with prolonged fever, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia. A diagnosis of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) was made during the course of hospital admission. There was good initial response to dexamethasone but the patient died less than two months after diagnosis. This is the first report of HLH from Ghana. The disease has a significant mortality rate if untreated and a high index of suspicion is required in all severely ill children.