Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome as a presenting feature of Hodgkin's disease

We report the case of a 60-year-old man with febris of unknown origin, severe pancytopenia, and rapidly developing splenomegaly due to reactive hemophagocytic syndrome and Hodgkin's disease. Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome is often rapidly fatal and, once this diagnosis is considered, an underlying infection or malignancy should be treated promptly. An extensive search of the literature revealed only two other cases of reactive hemophagocytic syndrome and Hodgkin's disease. This is the only reported patient who survived after being diagnosed as having reactive hemophagocytic syndrome and Hodgkin's disease. Received: 12 October 1998 / Accepted: 4 November 1999