Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Presenting With ARDS in a Young Adult: A Case Report

Fever is common in the ICU, with infectious causes accounting for only half of febrile episodes. This case examines a young male who developed high-grade fevers and pulmonary infiltrates unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly, hypertriglyceridemia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, suggestive of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Meeting 5 of 8 HLH criteria, high-dose steroids were administered, resulting in clinical improvement. HLH, with a high mortality risk, demands early recognition, complicated by nonspecific symptoms. This case highlights the rare manifestation of ARDS in HLH, adding diagnostic challenges in critical care settings.