Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to Plasmodium falciparum malaria: Case report and review of the literature
Rationale: Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare complication of malaria, which is often misdiagnosed. Patient concerns: A 30-year-old male was admitted to our department for persistent fever, which began after returning from a stay in Guinea-Conakry. The laboratory investigations revealed a...
| Published in: | Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2020
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.4103/1995-7645.291041 https://doaj.org/article/6e5d915cc2e64d8e84095d8f8c0a1b0a |
| Summary: | Rationale: Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare complication of malaria, which is often misdiagnosed. Patient concerns: A 30-year-old male was admitted to our department for persistent fever, which began after returning from a stay in Guinea-Conakry. The laboratory investigations revealed a pancytopenia and an elevated C-reactive protein. Peripheral smear examination showed Plasmodium falciparum, therefore confirming the diagnosis of malaria. The laboratory tests showed a worsening pancytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy revealed images of hemophagocytosis. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicating malaria infection was established. Interventions: The patient was treated with artemether-lumefantrine. No immunosuppressant treatment was delivered to the patient. He received antipyretic and antimalarial treatment only. Outcomes and lessons: We report a case of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis trigged by malaria infection and we review all reported cases secondary to Plasmodium falciparum malaria by searching PubMed publications till October 2019. Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytos secondary to malaria should be suspected even in non-severe cases of malaria. |
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