Two cases of malignant lymphoma with initial symptoms like orbital cellulitis and complicated by hemophagocytosis
Nakajima, A.; Abe, T.; Takagi, T.; Sato, N.; Sakuragi, S.; Miura, I.; Wakui, H.; Oshima, A.; Horiuchi, T.; Ono, S.; Miura, A.B.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 100(8): 641-649
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 8810242 Document Number: 462234
We reported 2 patients with malignant lymphoma complicated by hemophagocytic syndrome. Their clinical signs at onset were those of orbital cellulitis. Lymphoma complicated with hemophagocytosis is called lymphoma-associated hemophagocytosis syndrome (LAHS) and its prognosis is reported to be very poor. So far as we know, this is the first report in the ophthalmological field. In our patients, we suspected that the lesions occurred from the orbit or skin of this area. The first patient was a 22-year-old man and the second patient a 16-year-old girl. The diagnosis was very difficult at the onset of disease. Within 6 months after the first opthalmological examination, both died. When orbital cellulitis is suspected and antibiotic therapy is ineffective, we should suspect hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) and should examine serum ferritin which is a good markers of HPS. Early biopsy and consultation with a hematologist are very important.