Mumps caused hemophagocytic syndrome: a rare case report

Mumps-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is exceptionally rare. Here, we report a fatal case of concurrent mumps and HPS. A previously healthy 21-year-old male patient was admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases on October 18, 2011,with complaints of parotid gland pain for 30 days and persistent fever (38.3°C-40°C) for 15 days. Admission examinations showed severe pancytopenia, liver dysfunction, hyperferritinemia, fibrinopenia, elevated lactalase dehydrase, bilateral pulmonary inflammation and pleural effusion, abdominal lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. The patient was accordingly suspected to have mumps-associated HPS and received nutrition support and hormonal therapies as well as platelet transfusions. On hospitalization day 3, the fever stayed high, and painful swelling in the right testicle was reported. A bone marrow biopsy evaluation and serological tests were then performed. Histiocytic hyperplasia and hemophagocytic macrophage infiltration were demonstrated in the bone marrow and antimumps virus immunoglobulin M was detected positive, but bacteria, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus were detected negative in the peripheral blood. The initial diagnosis of mumps-associated HPS was eventually confirmed. Treatments with high doses of methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, and etoposide were continued. By hospitalization day 20, patient's condition was improved, his body temperature and blood counts were almost normal, and the pain and swelling in his parotid glands and right testicle subsided considerably. On hospitalization day 28, however, patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, and pancytopenia became evident again. On hospitalization day 33, the patient died of multiple organ dysfunction.