Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Patient with Disseminated Tuberculosis

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disease associated with multi-organ involvement. Infections, autoimmune disorders, and neoplasms can lead to secondary HLH. Herein, we report the case of a patient who presented with fever, jaundice, and pancytopenia and was diagnosed to have disseminated tuberculosis with HLH. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis should be considered in patients presenting with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, neurologic symptoms, cytopenia, elevated serum ferritin level, and deranged liver function tests. As the mortality rate is very high in patients with HLH, prompt diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease and secondary HLH is critical for a good outcome.