Severe Lymphoma-Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Young Woman

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome characterized by profound immune system activation. In adults, most cases of HLH are due to an underlying pathology- such as infection, malignancy, or autoimmune disease. It is a disease that can progress to rapid clinical deterioration and be difficult to diagnose. Nevertheless, regardless of etiology, most patients with HLH benefit from treatment. This paper highlights the challenges involved in diagnosing and managing this condition in practice, with an emphasis on how young, previously healthy young adults can present in a critically ill state.