Life-threatening hemophagocytic syndrome triggered by disseminated toxoplasmosis in a young patient with previously unknown AIDS

Abstract

Hemophagocytic syndrome is a rare life-threatening disorder that can be triggered by various conditions such as HIV infection and opportunistic agents. We report a case of disseminated toxoplasmosis complicated with severe hemophagocytic syndrome and revealing an unknown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The patient presented with multiple organ failure in intensive care unit. Once diagnosed, he benefitted from etoposide infusion, administration of specific anti-toxoplasmosis treatments and secondary antiretroviral therapy. He was alive at intensive care unit discharge and returned home with little sequalae. This case illustrates both the importance of rapid investigations of hemophagocytic syndrome etiologies in HIV positive patients and the necessity to prompt etoposide and specific treatments in order to improve potentially dramatic outcomes.