Macrophagic activation syndrome revealing disseminated multifocal tuberculosis: A case report of a rare clinical situation

Introduction: Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare but serious entity, sometimes triggered by an infectious agent, in particular by certain viruses or mycobacteria. Forms of tuberculosis complicated by MAS frequently occur in immunocompromised subjects. The disease is often disseminated, severe, and has a poor prognosis.Case presentation: We report a case of MAS complicating disseminated tuberculosis and revealing HIV in a previously healthy young patient.Discussion & conclusion: The management of macrophage activation syndrome related to tuberculosis is complex and not codified. On the one hand, the immunosuppressive treatment allows to slow down the macrophage activation syndrome and obtain a correction of cytopenia. On the other hand, there is a risk of aggravating tuberculosis by increasing the patient's immunodepression.