An Interesting Case of Disseminated Histoplasmosis in a Patient With Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Cureus. 2023 Mar 20;15(3):e36404. doi: 10.7759/cureus.36404. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Histoplasmosisis a common mycosis in North and Central America caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. Affected patients typically remain asymptomatic. However, in some individuals, histoplasmosis can present as a severe illness, usually occurring in patients with underlying risk factors such as the immunocompromised (e.g., acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), treatment with immunosuppressive agents), and the elderly without underlying immunocompromised conditions. Here, we present a case of disseminated histoplasmosis diagnosed as an incidental finding on bone marrow biopsy while treating a hospitalized patient for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The patient presented with weight loss, anorexia, fatigue, and generalized weakness. The patient was successfully treated with amphotericin B and eventually transitioned to itraconazole.

Keywords: complication of rheumatoid arthritis; histoplasmosis in bone marrow; infectious disease pathology; opportunistic fungal infection; ra; rheumatoid arthritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports