Lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome presenting as a demyelinating disease: a case report

Excerpt

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome characterized by excessive activation and proliferation of benign macrophages and cytotoxic T-cells. This condition leads to severe tissue damage and can involve multiple organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). Lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) is a subtype of secondary HLH, most commonly associated with lymphoma, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. CNS involvement in HLH presents with a wide range of neurological symptoms, making diagnosis challenging, especially when the clinical presentation mimics demyelinating diseases. Here, we present a case of a middle-aged Chinese male who was initially misdiagnosed with a central nervous system demyelinating disease, later confirmed to have LAHS secondary to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. …