Virus associated hemophagocytic syndrome

Increased Serum Levels of sCD14 and sCD163 Indicate a Preponderant Role for Monocytes in COVID-19 Immunopathology

Background

Emerging evidence indicates a potential role for monocytes in COVID-19 immunopathology. We investigated two soluble markers of monocyte activation, sCD14 and sCD163, in COVID-19 patients, with the aim of characterizing their potential role in monocyte-macrophage disease immunopathology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind.

Methods

Fifty-nine SARS-Cov-2 positive hospitalized patients, classified according to ICU or non-ICU admission requirement, were prospectively recruited and analyzed by ELISA for levels of sCD14 and sCD163, along with other laboratory parameters, and compared to a healthy control group.

Results

sCD14 and sCD163 levels were significantly higher among COVID-19 patients, independently of ICU admission requirement, compared to the control group. We found a significant correlation between sCD14 levels and other inflammatory markers, particularly Interleukin-6, in the non-ICU patients group. sCD163 showed a moderate positive correlation with the time lapsed from admission to sampling, independently of severity group. Treatment with corticoids showed an interference with sCD14 levels, whereas hydroxychloroquine and tocilizumab did not.

Conclusions

Monocyte-macrophage activation markers are increased and correlate with other inflammatory markers in SARS-Cov-2 infection, in association to hospital admission. These data suggest a preponderant role for monocyte-macrophage activation in the development of immunopathology of COVID-19 patients.

Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Case of Splenic Large B-Cell Lymphoma

A case of splenic large B-cell lymphoma with hemophagocytic syndrome is reported. The difficulties of diagnosis are emphasized especially when peripheral lymph nodes or bone marrow lymphomatous infiltration are not present. Diagnostic criteria for hemophagocytic syndrome and their relationship with the pathogenesis of the disease are also stressed.

The anaemia of Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Anemia is an important complication of P. falciparum malaria infection. This paper describes recent studies that have attempted to define some of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in different forms of infection and at different stages of the illness. After an acute infection there is a steady fall in the haemoglobin level with an inappropriate reticulocyte response. Current evidence indicates that this form of anaemia may result from a combination of acute sequestration of iron in the reticuloendothelial system associated with a shortened red cell survival. Recent studies indicate that there may be a dyserythropietic component as well. The mechanism for the shortened red cell survival is uncertain; although it may be due in part to sequestration of parasitized cells, the haemoglobin level continues to fall for several weeks after the acute episode and other factors must be involved. The role of immune haemolysis appears to be relatively small. It is becoming apparent that severe dyserythropoiesis with minimal haemolysis plays a major role in the anaemias of Plasmodium falciparum infection, particularly in immune individuals. This phenomenon has been studied by both light and electron microscopy and by assessing the in vitro kinetics of erythroid precursor proliferation. The results indicate a major defect in erythroid maturation with a significant degree of erythrophagocytosis. Although these studies have provided a clearer picture of the pathophysiology of anaemia at different phases of P. falciparum infection, there is still little indication of how the basic changes in red cell production and survival are mediated.

Understanding organ dysfunction in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to help critical care clinicians maintain a high level of suspicion regarding the diagnosis of Hemophagocytic Histiolymphocytosis (HLH). It describes the clinical and laboratory features of HLH, outlines its pathophysiology and reviews the most frequent etiologies related to HLH. Prognostic factors and therapeutic options are also reported.

DATA SOURCES

Review of the literature.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of HLH relies on the association of clinical abnormalities and hemophagocytosis in bone marrow, spleen, or lymph node specimens. Liver, pulmonary, renal, cardiac and skin involvement may occur at various degrees possibly leading to multiple organ failure. Three main etiologies can be found, namely infections, lymphoproliferative diseases, or connective tissue diseases. Immune deficiency is often retrieved. Mortality can be as high as 50%. Although clinically mimicking severe sepsis, HLH has a distinct pathophysiology on which specific therapy is based. Early diagnosis and treatment is mandatory to increase the chances of survival.

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive management of severe HLH requires the involvement of a multidisciplinary team in order to determine the best therapeutic strategy and to identify the underlying cause.

Occult Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-cell Lymphoma with Initial Presentations of Cellulitis-like Skin Lesion and Fulminant Hemophagocytosis

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) may be primary or secondary to malignancies, infections, autoimmune diseases, or drugs. In most cases, HPS occurs at the same time as the diagnosis of underlying malignancy or when it relapses. In rare situations, the neoplastic disease can be occult, even for more than a decade. Were port the case of a 28-year-old woman admitted because of HPS. Treatment with etoposide for fulminant HPS was effective. Four months later, she was admitted again because of newly developed subcutaneous nodules and cellulitis-like skin lesions over her legs. Excisional biopsy of subcutaneous nodule showed subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. After etoposide, solumedrol, cytosine arabinoside, and cisplatin regimen chemotherapy, both skin lesions and subcutaneous nodules disappeared. In conclusion, for patients presenting with HPS and cellulitis-like skin lesions, occult lymphoma should be considered, which might not be diagnosed for months, even years. Adequate treatment, including steroid and chemotherapy against malignant lymphoma, should be started as soon as possible for patients with fulminant HPS because of its fatal course.

Histiocytic lesions involving the bone marrow

Histiocytic lesions involving the bone marrow include a number of reactive and neoplastic disorders. This article discusses the morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genotypic features of a variety of diseases associated with histiocytes and/or monocytes. Lysosomal storage disorders and hemophagocytic syndromes are often first diagnosed by bone marrow examination. Granulomas involving the bone marrow may also be the first indication of a systemic disorder. Apart from acute and chronic monocytic leukemias, the bone marrow is rarely involved by malignant histiocytic disorders, of which Langerhans cell histiocytosis is the most common.

Splenic involvement by peripheral T-cell and NK-cell neoplasms

In contrast to B-cell lymphomas, the literature on the splenic pathology of peripheral T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas is limited. Several different patterns of splenic involvement can be observed in peripheral T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas: 1) solitary or multiple fleshy nodule, which is seen predominantly in tumors rich in large cells; 2) diffuse red pulp involvement, which is the commonest pattern; 3) colonization of periarteriolar shealth; and 4) patchy haphazard involvement. However, the miliary small nodule pattern commonly observed in low-grade B-cell lymphomas is practically never seen. In hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma and T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia, the pattern of splenic involvement is rather stereotyped, with diffuse red pulp infiltration and preservation of the sinus/pulp cord architecture, and without formation of nodules. The pattern of involvement is variable from case to case in peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified, and there can be associated prominent hemophagocytosis or a masking component of epithelioid granulomas. Aggressive NK cell leukemia and extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma show predominatly red pulp involvement, although the tumor cell density can vary from field to field; blood vessel walls are commonly infiltrated and there can be areas of necrosis.

Bone marrow manifestations of infections and systemic diseases observed in bone marrow trephine biopsy review

Bone marrow modifications resulting from infections and systemic diseases can be studied by analysis of morphology and aetiology. Two types of lesions or modifications can be observed, those occurring in the connective tissue comprising inflammatory processes, acute and chronic, as well as immune reactions, and those involving the normal haematopoietic cell lines, with possible hyperplastic or aplastic changes in one or more cell lines. The main lesions are described (oedema, haemorrhage, necrosis, suppuration, granulomas, lymphoid nodules and hyperplasia, immunoblastic or plasmacytic hyperplasia), as well as the main aetiologies. In association, the three main haematopoietic cell lines show hyperplasia, hypoplasia, aplasia of one or all of the cell lines, sometimes with dysmyelopoiesis. The stroma and vessel reactions comprise myelofibrosis, gelatinous transformation or amyloid deposits. The methods for identifying aetiological agents are emphasized. It should also be stressed that malignant neoplasias of different types involving the bone marrow can be responsible for such inflammatory or immune reactions.

Nasal angiocentric lymphoma with hemophagocytic syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) is a fatal complication of nasal angiocentric lymphoma (AL) and difficult to distinguish from malignant histiocyosis. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated HS is frequently observed in lymphoma of T-cell lineage and EBV is highly associated with nasal AL. Clinicopathologic features of 10 nasal ALs with HS were reviewed to determine the clinical significance and the pathogenetic association with EBV.

METHODS

Ten patients of HS were identified from a retrospective analysis of 42 nasal ALs diagnosed from 1987 to 1996. Immunohistochemical study and in situ hybridization were performed on the paraffin-embedded tumor specimens obtained from 10 patients. Serologic study of EBV-Ab was performed in 3 available patients.

RESULTS

Five patients had HS as initial manifestation, 3 at the time of relapse and 2 during the clinical remission of AL. Four patients were treated by combination chemotherapy (CHOP) and others had only supportive care. The median survival of all patients with HS was 4.1 months (range 2 days-36.5 months) and all had fatal outcome regardless of the treatment-modality. All cases were positive for UCHL1 (CD45RO) and EBV by EBER in situ hybridization. The data of serologic tests indicated the active EBV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

HS is a fatal complication of nasal AL and has a high association with EBV. Reactivation of EBV may contribute to HS and further investigation of predictive factors and effective treatment of HS should be pursued in the future.

X-linked lymphoproliferative disease: pathology and diagnosis

X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) is a rare familial disorder resulting in selective immunodeficiency to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of EBV-infected lymphocytes. Phenotypes of this disease are variable and include fulminant infectious mononucleosis, hypogammaglobulinemia, and malignant lymphoma. In this article, we describe a case of a previously healthy 4-year-old boy with serologic evidence of acute EBV infection who died of fulminant hepatic failure. Histopathological examination of tissue obtained postmortem showed hemophagocytosis and prominent polymorphous infiltrates associated with necrosis in the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) utilizing primers complementary to the EBV gene LMP2a performed on samples of liver tissue demonstrated approximately 0.6 copies of the EBV gene per cell. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated light chain restriction and PCR studies of the immunoglobulin V-D-J region revealed two strong bands, consistent with a clonal B cell proliferation. Extended family history revealed that the boy's family was followed by the XLP Registry, which was established in 1978 to follow kindreds with XLP. The genetic abnormality associated with XLP has been localized to the Xq25, allowing RFLP analysis to identify female carriers and affected boys.

Hemophagocytic syndrome associated with hematological neoplasias

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a reactive process that complicates several diseases including hematological neoplasias (HN). It has been suggested that HPS may be a negative prognosis factor for neoplastic diseases. In this retrospective analysis, 13 cases with HPS associated to HN were compared with two age, sex, diagnosis, disease stage and treatment matched controls in order to determine the impact of this syndrome on the survival. Cases with HPS were adult patients with a male:female ratio of 1:1 and their clinical picture was characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. Median survival since HN diagnosis was 7 and 48 months for the HPS and control groups, respectively (P = 0.0001). In ten patients who died, median survival after HPS presentation was 1 month. These results suggest that the presence of HPS is a negative prognosis factor in patients with HN. Due to its high mortality rate, an individualized, early, and intensive chemotherapeutic regimen may be required for HN complicated with this syndrome.

Postanginal septicaemia (Lemmiere's disease) complicated by haemophagocytosis

We report a case of postanginal septicaemia complicated by bronchopneumonia and haemophagocytosis in a 19-year old male, presenting with severe thrombocytopenia. We believe that this is the first reported case of thrombocytopenia due to haemophagocytosis in this unusual condition.

Fatal cytophagic panniculitis and haemophagocytic syndrome

We present two fatal cases of cytophagic panniculitis (CP) and haemophagocytic syndrome (HPS). In the first of these, there was an underlying T-cell lymphoma but in the second no associated disease was found. HPS is a frequently fatal disorder of immune regulation, characterized by fever, histiocytic haemophagocytosis, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, hypertriglyceridaemia and coagulopathy; CP is a less common manifestation. A number of benign and malignant conditions may present with HPS, the clinical findings and investigations aiding in determining an underlying disorder. Therapy is both supportive and directed at any associated illness, but often very difficult as diagnosis is delayed.

Hemophagocytic syndrome complicating cardiac transplantation

Infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome is one of the hemophagocytic disorders, and is most often seen in the pediatric population, typically in the setting of immunosuppression. We present the case of a 33-year-old man who had been well for more than 3 years following cardiac transplantation until he developed the infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome. The patient had a fulminant downhill course, dying in shock 10 weeks after his first presentation. Serologic studies for Epstein-Barr virus suggested a remote infection; other viral and microbiologic studies were negative. The only previous report of infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome complicating cardiac transplant appears to be that of a pediatric patient. The case presented illustrates the difficulties in antemortem diagnosis of this disorder, and in its treatment.

Prognostic factors of hemophagocytic syndrome in adults: analysis of 34 cases

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) presents with fever, pancytopenia, liver dysfunction and increase in hemophagocytic histiocytes in various organs. Although there are two major classifications of HPS in adults, malignant and reactive histiocytosis, it is often very difficult to distinguish between these disorders. We analyzed the laboratory data of patients with HPS to evaluate prognostic factors. Of 34 patients, 14 survived, and 20 died. The median age of survivors was 29.6+/-11.5 yr significantly younger than those who died (54.7+/-17.8 yr). Twenty patients had no obvious underlying disease, the other 13 had hematological malignancies or viral infections. Comparison of laboratory data revealed that nonsurvivors had significantly lower Hb and platelet values on admission. During treatment, worsening of anemia and thrombocytopenia, increase of transaminase and biliary enzymes were similarly more prominent. Risk factors associated with death were: age over 30 yr, presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation, increased ferritin and beta2-microglobulin, anemia accompanied by thrombocytopenia and jaundice. Our data suggests that patients with HPS and any of these risk factors should be treated aggressively with sufficient chemotherapy and supportive care.

A case of cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis: successful treatment of recurrent attacks with steroid pulse therapy and oral cyclosporin A

We report a 35-year-old man, who had been diagnosed with Weber-Christian disease, presented with acute onset of high fever, malaise, jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly with subcutaneous nodules. Laboratory tests showed elevated serum ferritin and liver enzymes, especially lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), with pancytopenia and coagulation abnormalities. Peripheral blood and bone marrow examinations showed erythro-, leuko- and thrombo-phagocytic histiocytes and macrophages. The patient developed the same clinical features seven years ago. Based on diagnosis of cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis, the patient was treated with steroid pulse therapy and oral cyclosporin A. The combination therapy caused a marked improvement in the clinical condition.

Epstein-Barr virus induced virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and monoclonal TCR-beta rearrangement: a case report

Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) is a rare histiocytic proliferative disorder secondary to viral infection affecting children and young adults and in which there is both a poor prognosis and no specific treatment. We report a case of VAHS in a 22-year-old woman secondary to infection with Epstein Barr virus in which multiorgan failure developed with a fatal outcome 3 weeks after presentation. Clonal analysis showed EBV incorporation into the T cell genome accompanied by monoclonal rearrangement of the TCR beta gene. Treatment with cyclosporin A resulted in hematological improvement but the patient died of disseminated fungal infection. We propose that bone marrow ablation and allografting should be available for these rare cases and suggest that a protocol should be developed with designated transplant centres to aid early referral.

Babesiosis and hemophagocytic syndrome in an asplenic renal transplant recipient

Babesiosis is a malaria-like illness transmitted by the tick Ixodes dammini. The disease is endemic to the Northeast coastal region and parts of the Midwest. Symptoms-which include fever, anemia, elevated liver function tests, and hemoglobinuria-may be especially severe in asplenic or immunocompromised patients. In rare cases, infection with Babesia may be associated with marked pancytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy may reveal hemophagocytosis and marrow histiocytosis. We report a severe case of babesiosis and hemophagocytic syndrome in an asplenic renal transplant patient.

Infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome complicated by infectious lymphoproliferation: a case report

The case of a 7-year-old boy with virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) and serologically proven parvovirus B-19 infection is described. The patient with VAHS presented with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, and hyperlipidemia type IV. After induction therapy with VP-16 and prednisone, partial remission was achieved. Despite maintenance therapy, reinductions, and the addition of cyclosporine A for 3 months, several relapses occurred. The therapy was stopped because of life-threatening complications (Klebsiella sepsis, neutropenic enterocolitis, and stercoral peritonitis). The complications were treated successfully. The patient status was stabilized after splenectomy. However, hepatomegaly progressed slowly and the hyperlipidemia endured. Ten months after the diagnosis leukocytosis with absolute T lymphocytosis appeared. Reactivation of VAHS was suspected and intravenous immunoglobin and then antilymphocyte immunoglobulin ALG therapy were started. The resultant decrease in leukocytosis was prompt, but lymphopenia did not occur. Virostatic treatment with foscarnet was introduced based on human herpesvirus-6 seroconversion. Twenty-six months after the diagnosis, the patient is well, without any sign of VAHS or lymphoproliferation.

Virus-associated haemophagocytic syndrome in previously healthy adults

The clinical characteristics of 15 adult patients with virus-associated haemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) were studied. The patients were 3 males and 12 females with a mean age of 39.5 years (range 20 to 67 years). Seven patients (mean age 48.6 years) were immunosuppressed by drugs or as a result of having malignant or autoimmune disease. Eight patients (mean age 31.6 years) had no underlying diseases. The prognosis of the patients with immunosuppression was poor, as previously reported, and 3 of them died. In younger adult patients with this syndrome who had no underlying immunosuppressive diseases, the prognosis was good even without therapy. The sera from the patients in both groups contained extremely high levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and slightly elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). These findings suggested that VAHS, can occur in presumably healthy adults and that VAHS can be a more benign condition than previously believed. M-CSF and TNF-alpha may play an important role in the development of the syndrome in both groups.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome

A virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) is a non-neoplastic, generalized histiocytic proliferation with prominent hemophagocytosis associated with a systemic viral infection. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one candidate for this association but serologic and molecular biologic studies have been lacking in many cases. Although VAHS is generally a benign process, EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EBV-AHS) is often fatal and has a relatively high mortality rate. Therefore, EBV-AHS must be distinguished from VAHS caused by other viruses. Recent evidence indicates that the pathophysiology in EBV-AHS appears to be mediated by the unrestricted release of cytokines produced by the EBV-infected T cells. Clinical and laboratory findings, the differential diagnosis, virology studies, pathophysiology, and treatment in EBV-AHS are reviewed.

Monoclonal proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus-infected T-cells in a patient with virus-associated haemophagocytic syndrome

Virus-associated haemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) is a non-neoplastic, generalized histiocytic proliferation disorder showing marked haemophagocytosis associated with systemic viral infection. We describe the case of a 1-year-old girl with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related VAHS, in whom Southern blot analysis showed monoclonal proliferation of bone marrow cells with the EBV genome; detected with the Xho-1 fragment of the latent infection membrane protein genome. EBV serology showed anti-Epstein-Barr virus nuclear associated antigen (EBNA), anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA)-IgG, anti-VCA-IgA elevation and positive EBNA of Sheep red blood cells (SRBC)-rosette-forming bone marrow cells in the late period of her clinical course, indicative of EBV infection. DNA analysis of her bone marrow cells showed monoclonal rearrangement of the T-cell receptor-beta and -gamma chain genes but not of the immunoglobulin heavy chain genes. Those results suggest that EBV may infect T-cells, after which the cells proliferate monoclonally. Repeated administration of epipodophyllotoxin VP-16-213 induced remission, but adrenocortical steroid, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide had no effect on the patient's condition. Ours is a first case report of VAHS showing monoclonal proliferation of EBV-infected T-cells.

Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome in childhood--frequent occurrence of atypical mononuclear cells

Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome, which is characterized by systemic proliferation of benign hemophagocytic histiocytes, usually presents as an acute febrile illness with pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly. The commoner diseases associated with the syndrome are infection and malignant lymphoma. In this report, eight cases of reactive hemophagocytic syndrome occurring in infants and young children are described. Unlike the disease occurring in adults, there is frequent occurrence of atypical mononuclear cells both in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. The morphological spectrum of these atypical cells is however still within that seen in infectious mononucleosis, and their reactive nature is substantiated by their spontaneous disappearance and subsequent recovery of the patients. It is important to distinguish this reactive proliferation from the neoplastic cells of 'malignant histiocytosis' or malignant lymphoma, since cytotoxic drugs are not warranted for treatment of this non-neoplastic condition.

Epstein-Barr virus-containing T-cell lymphoma presents with hemophagocytic syndrome mimicking malignant histiocytosis

BACKGROUND

The previously designated malignant histiocytosis (MH) may include lymphoid neoplasms of T-cell lineage as well as patients with benign virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS). In this study, the association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with T cell lymphomas which present with clinicopathologic features indistinguishable from malignant histiocytosis (MH) was investigated further.

METHODS

Four adult patients, three women and one man, were admitted because of fever, cutaneous lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, and jaundice. Laboratory examinations revealed pancytopenia, abnormal liver functions and coagulopathy. All patients ran a fulminant course terminating in a hemophagocytic syndrome within 1 month. Immunophenotypic study, Southern blot analysis, and in situ hybridization were performed on the specimens obtained from the four patients.

RESULTS

The biopsy-necropsy specimens from skin, liver, spleen, and bone marrow showed infiltration of atypical large cells with reactive histiocytosis and florid hemophagocytosis activity. Based on the clinical and histologic findings, these cases would have been designated as MH by previous criteria. Immunophenotypic, Southern blot, and in situ hybridization studies, however, showed clonotypic proliferation of EBV genomes in the nuclei of the large atypical cells that expressed T-cell antigens. Therefore, these patients should be diagnosed as a recently described EBV-associated peripheral T-cell lymphoma (EBV-PTCL).

CONCLUSIONS

EBV-PTCL may present with a fulminant hemophagocytic syndrome indistinguishable from the previously designated MH. This finding represents a step forward in our changing concept regarding MH, some of which only recently has been suggested to be of T-cell lymphoma origin. Differentiation from benign VAHS is clinically important. Features useful in this distinction are tabulated and discussed.

Epstein-Barr virus-infected T lymphocytes in Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome

The clonal composition of EBV-infected cells was examined in three cases of EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome by analysis of the heterogeneity of terminal repetitive sequences in the EBV genome, indicating monoclonal expansion of EBV-infected cells in all cases. Involvement of T lymphoid cells was determined by in situ hybridization using 35S-labeled RNA probes specific for the small EBV-encoded nuclear RNAs, EBER1 and EBER2, in combination with immunostaining for the TCR-beta chain, CD45RO, CD20, CD30 and CD68 antigens in these three cases. The majority of lymphoid cells showing EBER transcripts were stained by antibodies against CD45RO and T cell receptor-beta. In contrast, EBER-specific signals were not detectable on B cells or hemophagocytic cells. These data support the concept that EBV-associated T cell proliferation is a primary feature of EBV-AHS.

The relationship of Epstein-Barr virus to infection-related (sporadic) and familial hemophagocytic syndrome and secondary (lymphoma-related) hemophagocytosis: an in situ hybridization study

Many cases of hemophagocytic syndrome have been associated with viral infections, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but the pathogenesis of the syndrome remains unclear. We have examined lymph node, spleen, liver, and bone marrow sections from 12 cases, including four cases of proven or probable infection-related hemophagocytic syndrome (IHPS), three cases of familial hemophagocytic syndrome (FHPS), and five cases of secondary hemophagocytosis associated with T-cell malignant lymphoma (SHPC), for EBV RNA using a sensitive and specific in situ hybridization technique. Epstein-Barr virus RNA was detected in seven of 12 cases (58%), including three cases of IHPS, one case of FHPS, and three cases of SHPC. Numerous EBV-positive cells were detected in two cases of IHPS (in multiple anatomic sites) and in one case of FHPS (in the spleen). Diffuse EBV positivity also was noted within the neoplastic cells of one case of SHPC. Rare to occasional EBV-positive cells were found in multiple sites in another case of IHPS and within admixed, reactive lymphoid cells in two cases of SHPC. The results indicate that numerous EBV-positive cells can be identified in some cases of IHPS, FHPS, and SHPC, suggesting a pathogenetic role for the virus. However, the absence of EBV from a proportion of cases of IHPS and FHPS in this study suggests that other infectious agents also play a role in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

Hepatitis A causing a second episode of virus-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a patient with Still's disease

A 20-year-old female with Still's disease who had contracted hepatitis A became critically ill 2 weeks after the onset of jaundice with pancytopenia, coagulopathy, deteriorating liver function tests, and hepatomegaly. The diagnosis of virus-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was made, and she improved slowly after supportive treatment with parenteral steroids and immunoglobulin. Twelve years earlier, at the onset of her arthritis, she had suffered a similar episode of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in association with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Unusual clinical presentation of malignant histiocytosis in a 70-year-old woman

A 70-year-old woman was admitted for evaluation of hepatosplenomegaly, fever and elevated serum LDH levels. A biopsy specimen of the liver revealed histiocytic proliferation at the portal triad, and a mild degree of hepatitis. A bone marrow biopsy specimen showed proliferation of histiocytes with minimal immaturity and atypism, and haemophagocytosis by the proliferated histiocytes. Fever, hepatosplenomegaly and elevation of LDH levels all disappeared spontaneously, and presumptive diagnosis of benign reticulosis with haemophagocytosis was made. One year later, fever, hepatosplenomegaly and elevation of LDH levels redeveloped, and the liver and bone marrow biopsy specimen showed proliferation of unequivocally malignant histiocytes. The patient died as a result of disseminated intravascular coagulation with shock 20 d later. We concluded that, in this case, malignant histiocytosis first presented as benign haemophagocytic reticulosis and, 1 year later, there was a typical malignant presentation.

G-CSF enhanced granulocyte production in a child with severe neutropenia in the setting of fatal virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome

A 14-year-old boy with fatal varicella zoster virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) was treated with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) based on the finding that the patient had severe neutropenia and possible bacterial superinfection. Support for the G-CSF therapy in VAHS is provided by the recent reports that G-CSF is relatively specific for the granulocyte lineage; it would not activate mature monocyte/macrophage/histiocyte lineage in VAHS, where the most striking morphologic feature is histiocytic hyperplasia with hemophagocytosis. He responded well to G-CSF with an elevation of neutrophil counts. There were no effects on other blood cells. The result indicates that G-CSF is useful to increase granulocyte production in severe neutropenia, even in the setting of fatal VAHS.

Non-familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

A case of non-familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is described. The patient had a chronic course being alive and doing relatively well 3 years since onset. The specific pathological features of this disorder are discussed with emphasis on the fact that a remarkable loss of lymph node structure is sustained by a mature lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. Erythrophagocytosis is assessed as an important but not specific finding. Lymphocyte depletion is an important feature of the lesion. The presence of overlapping features in HLH, infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IAHS) and X-linked recessive lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLS) is emphasized.

Erythrophagocytosis in the skin: case report

A 68-year-old male with a myelodysplastic syndrome developed a bulla on his right thigh. A skin biopsy revealed a subepidermal cleavage containing fibrin and a mononuclear cell infiltrate exhibiting prominent erythrophagocytosis. Erythrophagocytosis by mononuclear cells was present, to a lesser extent, throughout the dermis and in the subcutis. Immunoperoxidase studies with anti-lysozyme and anti-alpha-l-chymotrypsin confirmed the histiocytic nature of the phagocytic cells. Only a few prior reports of cutaneous erythrophagocytosis exist in the literature. In contrast to the generally grave clinical manifestations of the patients described in previous publications documenting erythrophagocytosis, this patient lacked a concomitant hematologic deterioration or serious systemic illness.

Weber-Christian panniculitis with systemic cytophagic histiocytosis

A 49-year-old woman suffered from Weber-Christian panniculitis with a typically periodic course. Subsequently, the attacks of the disease developed to a severe state: high fever, endotoxinemia, pancytopenia, and clotting disorder, in addition to the cutaneous manifestations. One and a half years after the outbreak of the disease the patient died in a septic shock. At autopsy all three stages of Weber-Christian panniculitis were found. In addition, an immense proliferation of benign cytophagic histiocytes could be observed in the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes and, less distinctly, in the fatty and interstitial tissues of the visceral organs. As a nosologic entity, the Weber-Christian disease is frequently questioned. Some authors consider the lobular, histiocytic, cytophagic panniculitis a unique syndrome. On the other hand, it must be emphasized that benign, cytophagic histiocytosis may exist associated with infections or may accompany different diseases. Furthermore, the Weber-Christian panniculitis is clinically and morphologically well defined.

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

The cytologic features of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in two infant siblings were reviewed and compared to the histopathologic features in the same cases. The cytologic features of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in imprint smears from the spleen, lymph nodes, and liver were distinct, with proliferation of benign histiocytes engulfing erythrocytes and platelets. Hemophagocytic activity was more readily identifiable in imprint smears than in paraffin-embedded histologic sections. The differential diagnosis of histiocytic proliferative syndromes is also discussed.

Endoperoxidation, hyperprostaglandinemia, and hyperlipidemia in a case of erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Reversal with VP-16 and indomethacin

Clinicopathologic and histopathologic evidence of both endoperoxidation with hyperprostaglandinemia and hyperlipidemia in a 5-week-old infant with a hemophagocytic syndrome is reported. Institution of histiocytolytic (VP-16) and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) therapies returned the prostaglandin levels and lipid profile to a nearly normal state coincidental with clinical recovery. It appears that by reducing the cell mass of histiocytes and controlling the over-production of prostaglandins, some types of hemophagocytic syndrome can be reversed.

Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome: identification of an immunoproliferative precursor lesion

Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) is a nonneoplastic, generalized histiocytic proliferation with marked hemophagocytosis associated with a systemic viral infection. Histologic studies of lymph nodes usually show lymphoid depletion and histiocytic proliferation. In this report we describe the case of a patient with Epstein-Barr virus-associated VAHS in which initial lymph node biopsy samples showed an immunoproliferative lesion that preceded the usual generalized histiocytic proliferation. This finding suggests that some cases of VAHS may have an immunoproliferative precursor lesion.

Hemophagocytosis secondary to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

A patient with hemophagocytosis secondary to Mycoplasma pneumoniae is described. This adds another entity to the already protean manifestations of M. pneumoniae infection.

Fulminant course of infectious mononucleosis with virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome

A fatal case of infectious mononucleosis due to serologically verified Epstein-Barr virus infection in a previously healthy 30-year-old man is presented. The clinical course was characterized by severe prostration, persistently high spiking fever, and continuous development of enlarged lymph nodes. Hematologic examination revealed peripheral leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, and in the bone marrow an increased number of benign histiocytes showed marked hemophagocytosis. At autopsy abnormal lymphoid infiltrates were present in several tissues. The pathogenesis of this infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome is discussed in terms of the possibility of an impaired immune response to infectious agents.

Precocious puberty associated with malignant thoracic teratoma and malignant histiocytosis in a child with Klinefelter's syndrome

A 10-year-old boy with precocious puberty of 2 1/2 years' duration presented with a malignant thoracic teratoma with elevated levels of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) and alpha fetoprotein (alpha FP). The mediastinal tumor was completely excised and adjuvant chemotherapy commenced. Within 3 weeks of commencing chemotherapy he developed hematologic abnormalities that, with the subsequent clinical illness, led to a diagnosis of malignant histiocytosis. Death occurred a few days after start of therapy for malignant histiocytosis. Cytogenic studies showed the somatic karyotype to be that of Klinefelter's syndrome, while the malignant cells in marrow and lymph node carried an additional marker chromosome. This case, with others reported, suggest that the XXY karyotype may influence the development of mediastinal germ cell tumors, which in themselves appear to be associated with the early onset of a malignancy of the hemopoietic system.