[A case of virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) complicated by rhabdomyolysis which were associated with herpes-simplex virus infection].

A 60-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining abdominal pain and fatigue. Complete blood count showed as follows; WBC 3,900/microliters (48% of monocytes), Hb 11.5 g/dl, Plt 0.9 x 10(4)/microliters. Marrow smears showed the presence of phagocytic histiocytes that consist 22.4% of total nuclear cells. Laboratory findings showed as follows; BUN 109.5 mg/dl, Creatinine 7.4 mg/dl, CPK 1,259 IU/l, Aldolase 195 IU/l, Myoglobin 4,200 mg/dl. Serological studies showed a 16-fold increase in herpes-simplex virus (HSV) antibody titers 4 weeks after admission. So we diagnosed his illness as virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) and rhabdomyolysis that were associated with HSV. We performed three times of hemodialysis for acute renal failure and used prednisolone for VAHS. These treatments were successful, and he made a complete recovery from illness. VAHS complicated by rhabdomyolysis is very rare, and we think this case is full of suggestions.