Griscelli Syndrome With Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Rare Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Aug 31;15(8):e44445. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44445. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Griscelli syndrome type 2 (GS2) is a rare, autosomal recessive condition caused by a mutation of the RAB27A gene that causes primary immunodeficiency and pigmentary dilution of skin and hair. It is a rare occurrence, with only 160 cases reported all over the world. It commonly progresses to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) due to immunodeficiency. We herein represent the case of a seven-month-old male child, the firstborn of a third-degree consanguineous marriage, who presented with recurrent viral infections and silvery grey hair. A definitive diagnosis of GS 2 was made in accordance with the pathognomonic appearance of hair on microscopic examination and whole genome sequencing, which revealed a homozygous missense mutation in exon 3 of the RAB27A gene. This article is being reported to highlight the rare incidence of this disease, its overlapping clinical features with malnutrition, the challenges faced in diagnosis, and the treatment modalities for it.

Keywords: genetics; griscelli syndrome; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; hypopigmentation; pediatrics; primary immunodeficiency; rab27a gene; recurrent infections; silvery grey hair.

Publication types

  • Case Reports