Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by cytomegalovirus reactivation in an immunosuppressed patient with pauci-immune glomerulonephritis

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disease yet important to diagnose, as it is quickly life-threatening.The diverse symptoms of HLH can make diagnosis tricky, with many potential causes. As clinical presentation is not very specific, it is often mistaken for infection with severe sepsis and its diagnosis is often delayed.Limited understanding of this condition could lead to worse outcomes for patients. Recognising it early is crucial for starting the right treatment and enhancing both the well-being and survival chances of those affected by this complex disorder.In practice, HLH must be suspected when bi/pancytopaenia occurs in a patient presenting a high fever of unknown cause, especially when they have a history of immunosuppression. Managing it often requires a range of approaches, such as intensive care, immune system suppression, specialised medications or even stem cell transplants.