Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma-induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case report

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma-induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has rarely been reported. Herein, we report the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with MALT lymphoma-induced HLH who received chemotherapy after diagnosis and finally achieved partial remission. In this case, blood cells were only reduced to grade II at the time of diagnosis, and the patient was then treated with the R-CHOP regimen (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). HLH responded well to treatment. Laboratory data indicative of HLH and blood chemistry results were steadily normalized, and hepatosplenomegaly resolved. One month after chemotherapy, the patient achieved partial remission. The results also showed that the treatment was successful. In conclusion, treatment of lymphoma-triggered HLH needs to balance HLH-specific and lymphoma-specific treatment. Once HLH is initially controlled or the decrease in blood cells is better than grade II, it should actively transition to lymphoma treatment.