Lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) in advanced-stage mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Background: Lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) is a rare clinicopathological entity. It has been described with primary cutaneous lymphomas, mostly of the subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell type, and only once with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Methods: We report the cases of 5 patients with epidermotropic CTCL who developed LAHS and died shortly thereafter. Unlike LAHS associated with systemic lymphomas, these CTCL-associated LAHS were late events, occurring several years after the initial lymphoma diagnosis.

Limitations: The small number of patients reported renders definite conclusions difficult. Further reports would be needed to confirm our statements.

Conclusion: LAHS is probably underdiagnosed in CTCL patients with acute inflammatory symptoms suggestive of infections but should be considered, especially when cytopenia and elevated triglyceride and ferritin levels are present.