Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to ehrlichia chaffeensis infection: A case report

Sam Burns, Robert Saylors, Amir Mian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that is characterized by fever, splenomegaly, and cytopenia in 2 or more peripheral blood lineages, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and hemophagocytosis. HLH may be primary or may be triggered by numerous etiologies, including infections. Identification of underlying etiology of HLH is important as proper treatment can completely resolve the disease process. We present a patient whose clinical presentation fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for HLH but whose illness was caused by infection with Ehrlichia chaffeensis, emphasizing the need to explore all possible etiologies during evaluation of patients presenting with illnesses consistent with HLH.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e142-e143
JournalJournal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ehrlichia chaffeensis
  • Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Hematology
  • Oncology

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