• Shan Kai Ing, Grace Wan Chieng Lee, Tze Shin Leong, Yih Hoong Lee, George Yew Liang Lau, Nur Nazihah Yusof, Andrew Kean Wei Chang, and Kelly Kee Yung Wong.
• Sibu General Hospital, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia shankai1992@gmail.com.
• Clin Med (Lond). 2023 Jul 1; 23 (4): 414416414-416.

AbstractTuberculosis-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (TB-HLH) is a rare and life-threatening complication of tuberculosis infection. Early recognition and treatment of TB-HLH is crucial for improving outcomes. Treatment typically involves a combination of antituberculosis therapy and immunosuppressive therapy to control the immune system's overreaction. In this report, we present the case of a 53-year-old ambulance driver who was diagnosed with TB-HLH. His CT scan revealed splenic abscesses, hepatomegaly and bilateral lung consolidation. He subsequently developed multiorgan failure, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), transaminitis and bone marrow dysfunction. The clinical course and simultaneous increase in serum ferritin raised the suspicion of HLH. His Hscore was 254, indicating a high probability of hemophagocytic syndrome. TB diagnosis was confirmed by positive endotracheal TB GeneXpert and bone marrow aspiration (BMA) which detected acid-fast bacilli organisms. The patient was promptly started on anti-TB, dexamethasone and IVIG. The patient responded well to treatment and made a full recovery without any lasting complications. This case highlights the importance of promptly recognising HLH and identifying the underlying cause. In critically ill patients, it is crucial not to delay HLH-specific treatment while working up for differential diagnosis.© Royal College of Physicians 2023. All rights reserved.

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