Article Text
Summary
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome of dysregulated immune activity with macrophage activation that can manifest as pancytopenia, coagulopathy and other laboratory abnormalities, usually progressing to multiorgan failure and death. This report documents the rarely reported association between HLH and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) with simultaneous HIV and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and complete resolution with chemotherapy. The patient initially presented with cholestatic jaundice. He was then found to have HL associated with HLH with coexistent HIV and EBV viraemia. A-Brentuximab-VD regimen for the lymphoma was initiated, resulting in rapid resolution of HLH and ultimately remission of HL. HLH is a syndrome known to have high mortality; thus, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial. Usual presentation includes non-specific symptoms and can easily be overlooked. This case highlights the importance of diagnosing the condition in unusual settings and attempting treatment by targeting the cause of HLH, HL in our case.
- liver disease
- HIV / AIDS
- infectious diseases
- malignant and benign haematology
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Footnotes
Contributors HS and SS wrote the manuscript. While AK and PM extensively revised the case report.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.