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CC BY 4.0 · Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787832
Case Report with Review of Literature

Precursor B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Presenting with Repeated Episodes of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Nihar Desai 
1   Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
2   Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
,
Dinesh Chandra
1   Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
,
Ruchi Gupta 
1   Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
,
Rajesh Kashyap
1   Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
› Author Affiliations Financial Support None.
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Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disorder characterized by dysregulated activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and macrophages, resulting in excessive cytokine release and tissue damage. Although hematological malignancies and the chemotherapies used to treat them are frequently identified as triggering factors for HLH, B lymphoid leukemias are rarely implicated. In this report, we present an interesting case of a patient who presented with symptoms of HLH and was subsequently diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The further course of chemotherapy was complicated by another episode of HLH. This case highlights the complexity and the diverse triggers of HLH in the context of B lymphoid leukemia. Recognizing this atypical presentation is important to institute timely management strategies.

Keywords

acute lymphoblastic leukemia - hemophagocytosis - cytokine storm - immune system - infections

Declaration of Patient Consent

A written, informed consent was obtained.




Publication History

Article published online:
18 July 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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