Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Patient With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and aggressive disorder that is often underdiagnosed due to its similarities in other forms of shock, most notably septic shock. In this case report, we discuss a patient who has a history of HIV presenting with altered mental status and cytopenias, ultimately going into shock and passing away. We initially thought we would be dealing with a case of septic shock, but a diagnostic workup during his hospital case lead to a diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. This case illustrates how patients with HLH present very similar to septic shock and how to manage patients with this very aggressive disease.