A case of acute pericarditis with hemophagocytic syndrome, cytomegalovirus infection and systemic lupus erythematosus

Hemophagocytic syndrome, cytomegalovirus infection and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) would each be critical diseases separately. Viral infections, autoimmune diseases or malignancies can complicate the Hemophagocytic syndrome. Cytomegalovirus infection is known to be prevalent in immune compromised hosts, and can exacerbate the symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus. A 25-year-old man presented with fever and acute pericarditis with the hemophagocytic syndrome, cytomegalovirus infection and systemic lupus erythematosus; all developed concurrently at the onset of illness. With treatment, using ganciclovir and glucocorticoid medication the patient improved. Here we report this rare case and review the medical literature.