Open AccessHemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Masquerading as Alcoholic Hepatitis
Author(s) -
Sawsan Abulaimoun,
Kamelah Abushalha,
Savio Reddymasu,
Bryan Teruya,
N. Natarajan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
acg case reports journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.112
H-Index - 4
ISSN - 2326-3253
DOI - 10.14309/crj.0000000000000495
Subject(s) - medicine , cytopenia , hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis , alcoholic hepatitis , hemophagocytosis , liver function , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , pancytopenia , alcoholic liver disease , cirrhosis , disease , bone marrow
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a syndrome characterized by excessive immune activation. Timely diagnosis can be challenging, and prompt treatment is the only hope for survival. We present an adult patient with a history of alcohol dependence, who presented with fatigue, bilateral lower extremity edema, and orange-colored urine. Clinical workup revealed abnormal liver function tests, elevated ferritin, cytopenia, and lymphadenopathy. Eventually, he was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. This case report encourages gastroenterologists to maintain a high index of suspicion when a patient presents with liver failure, hyperferritinemia, and cytopenia because they may be the first healthcare professionals to evaluate these patients.