IMAGES IN CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY
Myelophthisis as first manifestation of failure of chemotherapy in breast cancer
Leonardo Rodrigues de Oliveira; Thaís Camargos Ferreira; Antônio Carlos Oliveira de Meneses
Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro - UFTM, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
Corresponding author Corresponding author: Leonardo Rodrigues de Oliveira Central de Quimioterapia - Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro - UFTM Rua Getúlio Guaritá, s nº 38025-440 Uberaba, MG, Brazil leonardorodoli@hotmail.com
Myelophthisis is a form of bone marrow failure due to the substitution of hematopoietic tissue and its stroma by abnormal tissue(1,2). We report a case of a 38-year-old woman under investigation for bicytopenia during maintenance chemotherapy (tamoxifen) for breast cancer (diagnosed 3 years previously). Her physical examination was unremarkable except for pallor. There was no hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy or breast lesions. Laboratory tests showed normochromic and normocytic anemia (Hb 9.1 g/dL) and thrombocytopenia (117 x 109/L). A peripheral blood smear showed a typical leukoerythroblastic picture. Bone marrow aspiration (with resistance) and biopsy revealed extensive infiltration by breast ductal carcinoma.
Submitted: 2/25/2012
Accepted: 4/9/2012
Conflict-of-interest disclosure: The authors declare no competing financial interest
- 1. Makoni SN, Laber DA. Clinical spectrum of myelophthisis in cancer patients. Am J Hematol. 2004;76(1):92-3.
- 2. D'Angelo G, Hotz AM. Myelophthisis in breast cancer. Am J Hematol. 2011;86(1):70-1.
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Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
08 Aug 2012 -
Date of issue
2012