# Presentation, Diagnosis, and Acute Treatment of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Report

**Authors:** Alexandra Bartholomew, Michael Connick, Catherine Loehr, Shane Sanne

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98913 · Cureus · 2025-12-10

## TL;DR

This case report describes the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a rare immune disorder called secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a 53-year-old woman.

## Contribution

The paper provides a detailed clinical case to improve understanding and management of secondary HLH.

## Key findings

- The patient exhibited symptoms like fever and fatigue, leading to a diagnosis of secondary HLH.
- Clinical and laboratory criteria were used to confirm the diagnosis.
- The case highlights the importance of recognizing HLH for timely treatment.

## Abstract

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, immunologically driven disorder with a high mortality rate. It is typically diagnosed on the basis of clinical and laboratory criteria. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with multiple previous hospitalizations for fever of unknown origin and fatigue. Her workup ultimately led to a diagnosis of HLH. We discuss the presentation, diagnostic criteria, and clinical treatment of secondary HLH to guide workup and management for future patients affected by this rare disease.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (MONDO:0015540)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** HLH (MESH:D051359), fever (MESH:D005334), fatigue (MESH:D005221)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12788777/full.md

## References

15 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12788777/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12788777