Hemophagocytosis on ascitic fluid cytology: Diagnosis of HLH

Authors

Rand Abou Shaar, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Kyle D. Perry, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Zaher K. Otrock, Henry Ford HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Abou Shaar R, Perry KD, and Otrock ZK. Hemophagocytosis on ascitic fluid cytology: Diagnosis of HLH. Diagn Cytopathol 2022; 50(8):414-416.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2022

Publication Title

Diagnostic cytopathology

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening syndrome of pathologic immune response characterized by excessive activation of macrophages. Hemophagocytosis is one of the diagnostic criteria for HLH, and it usually involves the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, or any part of the reticuloendothelial system. Hemophagocytosis in the ascitic fluid has rarely been reported in HLH. Here, we report the case of a patient who presented with fever and abdominal distention and ascites. Ascitic fluid cytology showed hemophagocytosis which was the clue for HLH diagnosis. We also review the literature for this rare cytological occurrence.

Medical Subject Headings

Ascites; Ascitic Fluid; Bone Marrow; Humans; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic; Spleen

PubMed ID

35674130

Volume

50

Issue

8

First Page

414

Last Page

416