Case Reports
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis following culture-proven pneumococcal infective endocarditis of the tricuspid valve
Ann Louise van Eyssen, Marc Hendricks
Abstract
We report a case of a 2-year-old boy presenting with persistent fever and splenomegaly who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) according to the Histiocyte Society (2004). The persistence of a cardiac murmur despite multiple transfusions, and therapy which rendered him afebrile, led us to do an echocardiogram as part of surveillance for sepsis. This revealed tricuspid vegetation and a small ventricular septal defect. Blood culture and postoperative histology of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks and dexamethasone for 8 weeks and remains well and in remission (from HLH) a year later with residual tricuspid regurgitation awaiting tricuspid valve replacement.
Authors' affiliations
Ann Louise van Eyssen, Division of Hematology/Oncology /BMT, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver
Marc Hendricks, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatric Medicine, University of Cape Town
Keywords
: Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, pneumococcal endocarditis
Article History
Date submitted: 2012-04-26
Date published: 2012-08-23
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