“What lies beneath” – macrophage activation syndrome unveiled systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a potentially fatal condition characterized by massive systemic inflammatory response in the setting of a myriad of systemic disorders such as autoimmune collagen vascular disease, infections, drug-induced, and malignancies. It falls under a group of disorders known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis of which familial and acquired types have been described. Here, we report a case of acquired MAS secondary to acute systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Early diagnosis and timely intervention resulted in a favorable outcome.