Cancer Res Treat.  2010 Jun;42(2):115-117.

A Case of Pure Red Cell Aplasia Associated with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma

• Choi JH
• Oh YH
• Park IK

Abstract

Pure red cell aplasia is a bone marrow failure characterized by a progressive normocytic anemia and reticulocytopenia without leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. It is associated with various hematologic diseases. However, pure red cell aplasia with angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma has rarely been reported. Here we describe a 43-year-old woman with pure red cell aplasia associated with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. She had severe anemia (hemoglobin 6.9 g/dL) and a low reticulocyte count (0.2%). Direct and indirect Coombs' tests were positive. A CT scan of the abdomen revealed marked hepatosplenomegaly and small multiple lymphadenopathies. A bone marrow biopsy revealed focal infiltration of abnormal lymphoid cells and absence of red cell precursors. Splenic biopsy was compatible with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Ultimately, diagnosis of pure red cell aplasia associated with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma was made. After initiating CHOP therapy, the patient achieved complete remission, which was accompanied, shortly thereafter, by a rise in hemoglobin levels which finally returned to normal.

Keyword

Red-cell aplasia; Pure; Lymphoma; T-cell

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Adult
Anemia
Biopsy
Bone Marrow
Coombs Test
Female
Hematologic Diseases
Hemoglobins
Humans
Lymphocytes
Lymphoma
Lymphoma, T-Cell
Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure
Reticulocyte Count
T-Lymphocytes
Thrombocytopenia
Hemoglobins

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Bone marrow biopsy shows focal infiltration of abnormal lymphoid cells and the absence of red cell precursors (H&E, ×400). (B) Splenic biopsy shows diffuse infiltration of atypical lymphoid cells which are positive for CD3 (CD3, ×400).

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  Fig. 2 Change of hemoglobin levels during treatment.

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