Dengue-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an adult. A case report and literature review

• Published in: Medicine (Baltimore) 2017-02, Vol.96 (8), p.e6159-e6159, Article e6159
• Main Authors: Chung, Sang Mi, Song, Joon Young, Kim, Wonshik, Choi, Min Joo, Jeon, Ji Ho, Kang, Seonghui, Jung, Eunju, Noh, Ji Yun, Cheong, Hee Jin, Kim, Woo Joo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adrenal Cortex Hormones - therapeutic use; Adult; Diagnosis, Differential; Early Diagnosis; Female; Humans; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic - complications; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic - diagnosis; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic - drug therapy; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic - pathology; Severe Dengue - complications; Severe Dengue - diagnosis; Severe Dengue - drug therapy; Severe Dengue - pathology
• ISSN: 0025-7974; 1536-5964
• DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000006159

Infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IAHS) is potentially a fatal disease caused by systemic infection complicated by hemophagocyticlymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Here, we report a case of HLH associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) after a trip to Thailand. A 33-year-old healthy female patient presented with 3 days of fever, myalgia, and skin rash. Serotype 3 dengue virus was isolated. Clinical and laboratory findings fulfilled the criteria of HLH. After the initiation of corticosteroid therapy, the patient recovered and laboratory findings were normalized. It would be important to differentially diagnose dengue-associated HLH from severe DHF. Early recognition and initiation of steroid treatment would be crucial for the successful treatment of dengue fever complicated by HLH.