Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome associated with disseminated strongyloidiasis

The reactive hemophagocytic syndrome is a condition characterized by systemic proliferation of benign hemophagocytic histiocytes, fever, cytopenia, abnormal liver function, and frequently coagulopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Its occurrence has been documented in association with viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections; a wide spectrum of malignant neoplasms; some miscellaneous disorders; and phenytoin. Disseminated strongyloidiasis is reported in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with corticosteroids in whom a reactive hemophagocytic syndrome developed and who finally died. This reactive hemophagocytic syndrome is reported for the first time in strongyloidiasis and may not have been recognized in former reports.