Low-Frequency Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Type 5

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is an autosomal recessive disease affecting the cytotoxic pathway. Due to the recent advances in molecular diagnosis, immuno-chemo therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treatment, FHL survival rates have drastically increased.

Herein, we describe a case of FHL type 5 presenting with low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. Alongside our reported case, 6 additional patients were identified in the literature. Management and Outcome: The progressive nature of FHL disorder may cause bilateral, low-frequency, irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss should be considered among the long-term sequelea presenting with FHL5.

We recommend audiological evaluation at initial FHL5 diagnosis to assess for hearing functions. Follow-up in audiology should be part of the long-term monitoring of patients with FHL5 as hearing loss could develop long after diagnosis.