Haemophagocytic syndrome with disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with tuberculosis

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Mar 1:2013:bcr2013008743. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-008743.

Abstract

Haemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a clinical entity that combines non-specific clinical and biological features. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by a bone marrow examination. HPS may be primary or secondary to a malignancy or to an infectious or autoimmune disease. Early aggressive survey of the aetiology and optimal treatment of the underlying disease improve the outcome of life-threatening HPS. Infection-associated HPS occurs predominantly in immunocompromised patients and is usually fatal. Leading trigger agents are viruses, especially the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. Mycobacterial infections associated with HPS are rare but should be considered in those patients where there is associated fever of unknown origin. We present a case of disseminated tuberculosis-associated HPS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculin Test
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents