Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis as the Initial Presentation of Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma: A Rare Case Responding to Cyclosporine A and Steroids

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare peripheral cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma, clinically resembling panniculitis. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening syndrome of immune overactivation, triggered by underlying conditions. SPTCL presenting with HLH may represent a severe and rapidly progressive disease course. Currently, there is no standardized approach to treatment of HLH secondary to underlying SPTCL. A 34-year-old Asian male presented with a several months history of high fevers, weight loss, and nonpruritic purple discoloration of the skin. He had a skin biopsy showing atypical lymphohistiocytic panniculitis with dermal mucinosis and erythrophagocytosis consistent with SPTCL. The patient was initiated on treatment with dexamethasone and cyclosporine A. Almost immediate improvement of his skin lesions was noted and laboratory abnormalities trended toward baseline within 2 weeks. He noted complete symptom resolution after 3 months on therapy. SPTCL may be treated effectively with cyclosporine A and steroids to achieve rapid clinical and symptom management of this rare malignancy.