A case report of scrub typhus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and a review of literature.

A 34-year-old woman presented with septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and multiorgan dysfunction with a 1-week history of fever, abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant, and dull pain in the right flank. Physical and laboratory data showed cytopenia (thrombocytopenia and anemia), splenomegaly, hyperferritinemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and an elevated level of interleukin-2 receptor (soluble CD25). Bone marrow examinations disclosed hypercellular marrow with increased infiltration of histiocytes with hemophagocytosis. This diagnosis was confirmed by positive Weil-Felix test results (Proteus mirabilis OX-K titer, 1:80), the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies, and positive PCR results for Orientia tsutsugamushi. The patient developed a severe intracranial hemorrhage 3 days after admission and expired due to systemic inflammatory response syndrome with DIC and multiorgan failure on the 13th day of hospitalization. Scrub typhus with hemophagocytic syndrome can be complicated by DIC and multiorgan failure. Patients with scrub typhus usually have an excellent response to treatment; therefore, early diagnosis and prompt administration of antimicrobial therapy may prevent the development of serious complications.