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Fatal virus‐associated hemophagocytic syndrome associated with coexistent chronic active hepatitis B and acute hepatitis C virus infection
Author(s) -
Faurschou Mikkel,
Nielsen Ove Juul,
Hansen Per Boye,
Juhl Birgitte Ravn,
Hasselbalch Hans
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1096-8652(199906)61:2<135::aid-ajh11>3.0.co;2-e
Subject(s) - hemophagocytosis , medicine , pancytopenia , hepatosplenomegaly , liver biopsy , hepatitis , immunology , hepatitis b virus , pathology , virology , virus , bone marrow , biopsy , disease
A 28‐year‐old man was admitted to our department with intermittent fever, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia. Liver parameters and serum ferritin were markedly elevated. Bone marrow biopsy showed hypocellularity, histiocytic hyperplasia, and hemophagocytosis consistent with a virus‐associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS). There was serological evidence of chronic active hepatitis B and acute hepatitis C virus infection. The patient died despite aggressive immunosuppressive and supportive treatment. Autopsy revealed signs of acute viral hepatitis with cholestasis. Histiocytes engaged in hemophagocytosis were observed in bone marrow and spleen. The condition was interpreted as VAHS associated with chronic active hepatitis B and acute hepatitis C virus infection. To our knowledge this is the first report of a hemophagocytic syndrome in that setting. Am. J. Hematol. 61:135–138, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.