title: Remission of autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia following splenic irradiation.
abstract: A 56-year old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia associated with corticosteroid-resistant autoimmune hemolytic anemia was successfully treated with splenic irradiation. Cobalt 60 in the dose of 8 Gy was delivered to the spleen, considered sufficient for therapy of B lymphocyte CALLA-phenotype. There has been no recurrence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia over a follow-up period of 28 months. The mechanism of action of splenic irradiation is discussed. This treatment might offer a simple and effective alternative to splenectomy in patients with steroid-resistant hemolytic anemia when surgical operation is contraindicated or refused.
authors.affiliation: Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Paule
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Brion
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brion
mesh_terms: D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000528:radiation effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000528:radiation effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D012074:Remission Induction / Q000379:methods; D013154:Spleen / Q000528:radiation effects*