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Hemophagocytic syndrome complicating lung resection
Sabita Jiwnani1, George Karimundackal, Atul Kulkarni
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, India.
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|June 22, 2012
Summary
A patient developed hemophagocytic syndrome after lung cancer surgery. Despite treatment, the rare condition led to a fatal outcome, highlighting its aggressive nature post-operatively.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Squamous cell lung carcinoma requires surgical intervention, such as lobectomy.
- Post-operative complications can arise, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management.
- Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a rare, life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old male underwent left upper lobectomy for squamous cell lung carcinoma.
- Post-15 days, he presented with fever, dyspnea, and rash, indicative of a severe systemic inflammatory response.
- Computed tomography revealed a pleural effusion, managed by drainage.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with hemophagocytic syndrome based on clinical signs (fever, rash), laboratory results (bicytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin).
- Despite initial steroid therapy, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated.
- The patient succumbed to the illness on the 23rd postoperative day.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for rare and severe post-operative complications like HPS following lung cancer surgery.
- Early recognition and aggressive management strategies for HPS are critical, though often challenging.
- Further research into the triggers and optimal treatment of HPS in the post-surgical oncology setting is warranted.
