Navigating Complexity: A Case Study on Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Diagnosis and Management Challenges

Cureus. 2024 May 4;16(5):e59628. doi: 10.7759/cureus.59628. eCollection 2024 May.

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe inflammatory disorder that affects multiple organ systems and carries a high risk of mortality if untreated. Treatment typically involves immune suppression with steroids and cytotoxic drugs. This case report details the evaluation and management of an adult female presenting with atypical symptoms, aims to improve awareness and understanding of HLH in adults, and emphasizes the urgency of timely diagnosis and intervention.

Keywords: bone marrow biopsy; epstein-barr virus; etoposide; hemophagocyte; hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (hlh); non-malignant hematology; q fever; rickettsia; thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports