Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Patient with Hodgkin Lymphoma, HIV, and Epstein-Barr Virus

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive and life-threatening syndrome of excessive immune activation. It occurs in many underlying conditions and all age groups due to severe and uncontrolled inflammatory reactions, with the resultant overproduction of immune cells and cytokines. This leads to multi-organ damage (if not detected early and treated properly) with a mortality of more than 55%. We present a case of a 38-year-old male patient who presented with HLH with concurrent HIV/AIDS, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related Hodgkin lymphoma. We aim to emphasize the importance of considering HLH and cancer in patients with HIV/AIDS.