Introduction:

The current evidence about hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome is based on case series and, therefore, clinical decisions are based on expert criteria. In Cuba, there are few published reports, which validates the efforts that may increase understanding of this entity in our environment.

Objective:

To describe three cases of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome, an extremely rare and little suspected complication.

Clinical cases:

Of the three patients studied, two presented lymphoma as subjacent disease. One of them was diagnosed with anaplastic T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma at autopsy. The other was diagnosed and treated early for large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and evolved satisfactorily. The third patient presented tricuspid valve endocarditis and achieved remission after antibiotic, immunomodulatory and surgical treatment.

Conclusions:

The cases presented highlight the complexity of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome and reinforce the critical need for diagnosis and timely treatment of this condition in our setting.

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