Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Rare Cause of Pyrexia of Unknown Origin

Cureus. 2022 Mar 21;14(3):e23368. doi: 10.7759/cureus.23368. eCollection 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening syndrome due to excessive immune activation leading to hyperinflammation. It may be familial due to mutations in immune regulatory genes, especially genetic defects of lymphocyte toxicity. The sporadic cases are triggered by infections (mostly viral), malignancies, and autoimmune diseases. Herewith we report the case of a 20-year-old male with febrile illness who was ultimately diagnosed with HLH.

Keywords: cytopenias; fever; hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (hlh); immune activation; inflammation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports