Adenovirus related lymphohistiocytic hemophagocytosis: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Adenoviral infection is a classic cause of lymphohistiocytic hemophagocytosis (LH) in bone marrow transplantation but is rare outside this setting.

Case report: A 31-year-old female, with a history of treated mesencephalic astrocytoma, was hospitalized for fever, pancytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, hyperferritinemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Adenovirus viral load in blood was 7.3×10(9) copies/mL. Bone marrow aspirate examination confirmed LH. The patient recovered without specific LH or adenovirus-directed treatment.

Conclusion: Adenovirus-related LH, common in bone marrow transplant recipients, should also be considered in patients with chemotherapy in solid tumors.

Keywords: Adenovirus; Astrocytoma; Lymphohistiocytic hemophagocytosis.