Cure of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by Epstein–Barr virus infection after early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with etoposide, dexamethasone, and immunoglobulin

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive and life-threatening condition characterized by uncontrolled activation of T lymphocytes and inappropriate activation of mature macrophages secreting excessive cytokines leading to marked hypercytokinemia. It can also be secondary to neoplasms, rheumatologic diseases, or infections. This was a case report, described in Central Brazil, of a 17-year-old female patient diagnosed with HLH after infection by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), which eventually improved after early diagnosis and treatment with etoposide, dexamethasone, and immunoglobulin. The early diagnosis and treatment of this condition are of utmost importance owing to its high mortality rate. Therefore, this is a case report of a young patient who developed HLH, after EBV infection, requiring transfer to a reference hospital for infectious diseases, with optimization of diagnosis and early initiation of specific treatment after discussion between a medical team made up of several specialists.