Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to Obstructive Uropathy and Escherichia coli Bacteremia

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome in which widespread activation of the immune system causes multi-organ tissue damage. HLH is a serious and potentially fatal disorder characterized by excessive immune system activation. It is characterized by a dysregulation in natural killer (NK) T-cell function, causing activation of lymphocytes and histiocytes. These cells secrete a large number of inflammatory cytokines and infiltrate various tissues causing multi-organ system failure. The spectrum consists of hereditary or “primary” HLH that comprises genetically heterogeneous conditions, occurring during childhood. The secondary form presents later in life and is associated with several conditions mainly malignancy, autoimmune diseases, viral or bacterial infections, and hematological diseases. Here we present an interesting case in which a 39-year-old patient presented with a complaint of shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with obstructive uropathy in the emergency department and subsequently developed acute liver injury, acute kidney injury, Escherichia coli bacteremia, and was diagnosed with HLH with comorbid bacteremia.