Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Leading to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Pediatric Patient

Understanding the Case:

  • Patient Profile: A 3.5-year-old girl was admitted with fever, altered consciousness, and extensive skin lesions covering more than 90% of her body surface.
  • Diagnosis: Medical evaluation revealed TEN and HLH, both severe immune-mediated conditions triggered by EBV.
  • Key Findings: MRI scans showed progressive brain involvement, including basal ganglia lesions, and laboratory tests confirmed EBV DNA presence in bone marrow samples.

Medical Insights and Implications:

  • Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN): A severe skin reaction causing widespread epidermal detachment, commonly induced by drugs but in rare cases by infections like EBV.
  • Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): A hyperinflammatory syndrome characterized by an uncontrolled immune response, leading to severe tissue damage and multi-organ failure.
  • CNS Involvement: The case underscores the neurological implications of HLH, which are often underrecognized but crucial for patient outcomes.

Strategic Link Placement:

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