Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and CMV: Case Management

Aim: Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis is often confused with a septic shock. Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis is a life-threatening condition in which the immune system overreacts. It causes the release of high levels of inflammatory cytokines, leading to fever, cytopenias, hyperferritinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. HLH can be primary or secondary to an underlying condition such as infection, malignancy, or autoimmune disease.

Presentation: The article describes a case report of a 65-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with bloody diarrhea and a fever. The patient had a medical history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus. On admission, the patient had low hemoglobin, a low platelet count, and leukopenia. The laboratory investigations showed elevated AST and CRP levels, positive CMV PCR, and high levels of ferritin, fibrinogen, and soluble CD25. The patient was treated with dexamethasone and ganciclovir IV. A subsequent lymph node biopsy showed CMV-related lymphadenitis. The article also explain the pathophysiology of the disease and the possibilities of treatment.

Conclusion: Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, which has the same symptoms of a septic shock, should be suspected if the patient does not respond quickly to treatment. Also, if Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis flares again, it seems not enough to give the same immunosuppressive treatment, but a stronger one is needed.