A Case Series of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: An Atypical Presentation of Visceral Leishmaniasis

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic vector-borne disease endemic in Armenia. Its complications include hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which is a potentially fatal syndrome if misdiagnosed or left untreated. Higher clinical caution is required for the prompt diagnosis of HLH since the clinical findings associated with systemic inflammation overlap with those of many other pathological conditions, such as sepsis or Kawasaki disease. This study aims to provide an overview of the most common presentations that should prompt consideration of HLH. We described a case series of three pediatric patients with VL who developed HLH during antiparasitic treatment and received total doses of 40 mg/kg of liposomal amphotericin B for complete elimination of the pathogen.