Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to tuberculosis- a rare case report

Abstract

Hemophagocytic syndrome , also known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is the manifestation of immune dysregulation. It is associated with ineffective but increased response and infiltration of active lymphocytes and histiocytes in various organs. It presents with clinical and biochemical manifestations of fever, splenomegaly, pancytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperferrritinemia. It can be primary or secondary. Primary (genetic) usually presents in childhood. Secondary is due to infection by viruses or other etiologies are also important as early detection and treatment improves the survival rate in this devastating disease. Hemophagocytosis due to tuberculosis is uncommon. Few cases have been reported in literature. The present case report is of a 20 year male, diagnosed as secondary HLH due to tuberculosis, highlighting importance of early diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease, thus reducing the mortality.