Resolution of pure red cell aplasia and lymphoma: response to intravenous gammaglobulin and combination chemotherapy.
Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) rarely occurs in nonthymic lymphoproliferative disorders. This report describes the clinical course and therapy of a patient with a history of Sjogren syndrome who developed well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma associated with PRCA and severe hemolytic anemia. Life-threatening hemolytic anemia combined with the presence of multiple antibodies and lack of erythroid precursors was treated successfully with a single dose of intravenous gammaglobulin. A sustained, complete remission and normalization of the bone marrow was achieved following six courses of an aggressive chemotherapy regimen. Thus, occasionally low-grade lymphomas can produce life-threatening complications, requiring a more aggressive therapeutic intervention than those routinely applied.
Vukelja
S J
SJ
Section of Medical Oncology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307.
Krishnan
J
J
Link
C M
CM
Salvado
A J
AJ
Knight
R D
RD
D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012010:Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D005719:gamma-Globulins