Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis as a diagnostic consideration of fever of unknown origin with pancytopenia and chronic liver disease

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe disorder of systemic immune dysregulation which can be primary or secondary to autoimmune disorders, malignancy, or infections. We hereby describe a case of a 23-year-old male with severe hepatitis along with pancytopenia and prolonged fever of unknown origin that developed HLH triggered by staphylococcal urinary tract infection. This is a discussion of this unusual disease and its presentation and the diagnostic difficulties which may be encountered in general clinical practice.

Keywords

• Corticosteroids
• hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
• Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-2004 protocol
• Staphylococcus aureus
• urinary tract infection
• Widal test