EBV-associated haemophagocytic syndrome in a patient with Behçet's disease

Scand J Rheumatol. 2005 Jul-Aug;34(4):320-3. doi: 10.1080/03009740510015186.

Abstract

We present a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated haemophagocytic syndrome in a patient with Behçet's disease. A 43-year-old man, who had been receiving treatment under the diagnosis of Behçet's disease for recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcer, ileal ulcer, and arthritis, had been admitted for fever, headache, and nausea developed 3 days ago. Laboratory data showed pancytopaenia, an increase in liver enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ferritin. Haemophagocytic syndrome was diagnosed from histiocytosis and haemophagocytosis by macrophages, shown in the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, and in situ hybridization for EBV showed a positive finding. The patient recovered rapidly after steroid therapy. This is the first report of EBV-associated haemophagocytic syndrome developed in a patient with Behçet's disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Behcet Syndrome / complications*
  • Behcet Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Behcet Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / diagnosis
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / drug therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / complications*
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / diagnosis
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Prednisolone