Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection: case report and literature review

J Surg Case Rep. 2019 Jun 28;2019(6):rjy096. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjy096. eCollection 2019 Jun.

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is rare and life threatening syndrome. There are only a few reported cases of HLH with GI symptoms. We describe the case of an 18 months old boy who presented with a history of fever for 40 days, abdominal distention and hepatosplenomegaly. Abdominal x-ray showed a pneumoperitoneum. Urgent laparotomy was done which revealed an isolated cecal perforation. The histopathological findings in the subsequent resected bowel was HLH with evidence of positive EBV Barr infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports