Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis induced by cholecystitis: A case report and a review of the literature

•From this case experience, if a timely symptomatic treatment is given, the condition of the patient with secondary HLH can be alleviated.•This is the first report of cholecystitis-induced hemophagocytic syndrome in the world.•If purpura and bruises appeared in both of the lower extremities after various infections, doctors shoud take secondary HLH into account.

BackgroundHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening disease resulting from excessive activation and non-malignant proliferation of macrophages and T lymphocytes. Whether it can be caused by cholecystitis has not yet been reported in the world.Case reportA 4-year-old girl was admitted to hospital with cholecystitis. The patient was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis after 3 days of admission based on the results of laboratory tests showing hypofibrinogenemia, hypertriglyceridemia, thrombocytopenia, anemia and leukopenia.ConclusionsFrom this case experience, if a timely symptomatic treatment is given, the condition of the patient with secondary HLH can be alleviated. This is the first report of cholecystitis-induced hemophagocytic syndrome in the world also.