Case Study: Alaska Regional Hospital helps a patient uncover a life-saving HLH diagnosis with UpToDate from Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions

A Specialist Corrects Misdiagnosis of Sarcoidosis to HLH and Lymphoma

Dr. John Clark, a pulmonologist at Alaska Regional Hospital, was faced with the challenge of a patient who was deteriorating under treatment for a presumed diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The initial misdiagnosis was leading to ineffective care, and the patient's serious, unexplained symptoms required a swift and accurate identification of the true underlying condition to prevent further harm.

Wolters Kluwer's UpToDate service provided the solution, enabling Dr. Clark to efficiently research unfamiliar conditions. He used it to diagnose the patient with the rare adult-onset hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which was later confirmed alongside lymphoma. This course correction, facilitated by Wolters Kluwer, led directly to the patient receiving appropriate, life-saving treatment and a successful recovery, highlighting the critical role of accessible, trusted clinical information in overcoming diagnostic uncertainty.

Alaska Regional Hospital

John Clark

Internist/Pulmonologist