Steroid-responsive pure red cell aplasia associated with natural killer cell lymphocytosis.
A patient with pure red cell aplasia and expansion of the peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cell population is described. Despite normal absolute and differential leukocyte counts, NK cells were increased at diagnosis and at relapse. Furthermore, these cells were not morphologically recognizable on the peripheral blood smear examination. A favorable clinical response to glucocorticoid therapy was accompanied by a decrease in NK cells.
Tefferi
A
A
Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Windebank
K P
KP
Veeder
M H
MH
Kiely
J M
JM
D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012010:Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy
D001379:Azathioprine; D011241:Prednisone