PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Hui, Yee Man Tracy
AU  - Pillinger, Toby
AU  - Luqmani, Asad
AU  - Cooper, Nichola
TI  - Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> infection
AID  - 10.1136/bcr-2014-208220
DP  - 2015 Apr 13
TA  - BMJ Case Reports
PG  - bcr2014208220
VI  - 2015
4099  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2015/bcr-2014-208220.short
4100  - http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2015/bcr-2014-208220.full
AB  - Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, potentially fatal condition that can be primary or secondary. Secondary HLH can occur in association with infections, most commonly viral infections, but has also been reported in association with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). Prompt identification of the underlying cause of HLH is important as it guides treatment decisions. Early initiation of appropriate treatment (eg, anti-TB treatment) reduces morbidity and mortality. We present a case of HLH associated with TB infection. Initial TB investigations were negative and standard combination chemoimmunotherapy for HLH resulted in a limited clinical response. On apparent relapse of HLH, further investigation revealed TB with changes on CT chest, granuloma on bone marrow and eventual positive TB culture on bronchoalveolar lavage. Subsequent treatment with quadruple anti-TB treatment resulted in rapid clinical response and disease remission. We advocate continued monitoring for TB infection in patients with HLH, and prophylaxis or full treatment for those at high risk.