Colonic adenocarcinoma presenting as hemophagocytic syndrome

Abstract

Hemophagocytic syndrome (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis [HLH]) is a rare and potentially fatal disorder characterized by pathological immune activation associated with primary familial disorder, genetic mutation or occurring as a sporadic condition. The later can be secondary to infections, malignancies, or autoimmune diseases. Malignancy-associated HLH is commonly seen in hematological malignancies and rarely with solid organ tumors. We report a case of adenocarcinoma colon presenting as hemophagocytic syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first case report of HLH secondary to carcinoma colon.

Keywords

• adenocarcinoma colon
• hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
• hypertriglyceridemia