Haemophagocytic syndrome in an adult suffering from pyrexia of unknown origin: an uncommon presentation of tuberculosis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is common, can involve various organs of the body and may have diverse presentations. Haemophagocytic syndrome is one of the rare presentations of tuberculosis carrying a very high mortality. Early detection and institution of anti-tuberculosis medications can be life-saving. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old Bengali man presented with prolonged fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia and altered liver function. He had high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive tuberculin test, granuloma in liver biopsy, and haemophagocytosis was evidenced by histopathological examination of bone marrow. He recovered with anti-tuberculosis therapy. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that consideration of tuberculosis as an underlying cause of haemophagocytic syndrome could be rewarding and life-saving in this rapidly fatal condition.