Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with visceral Leishmaniasis in a patient with cirrhosis of HCV: diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Leishmania infection associated hemophagocytic syndrome is very rare. Moreover, visceral leishmaniasis related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a patient with liver cirrhosis will be very difficult to recognize because of the overlapping clinical features and negative marrow evaluation at onset. In this report, we present a 53-year-old male patient diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis who had referred to our clinic for further evaluation of decompensated cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus. Although the correct diagnosis was made, the patient did not improve due to co-morbidities.