Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Presenting With ARDS in a Young Adult: A Case Report.

Fever is common in the ICU, with infectious causes accounting for only half of febrile episodes. This case examines a young male who developed high‐grade fevers and pulmonary infiltrates unresponsive to broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly, hypertriglyceridemia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, suggestive of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Meeting 5 of 8 HLH criteria, high‐dose steroids were administered, resulting in clinical improvement. HLH, with a high mortality risk, demands early recognition, complicated by nonspecific symptoms. This case highlights the rare manifestation of ARDS in HLH, adding diagnostic challenges in critical care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]