ABSTRACT
GATA2 mutations have been identified in various diseases, such as MonoMAC syndrome, Emberger syndrome, familial myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukaemia and dendritic cell, monocyte, B-cell and natural killer-cell deficiency. These syndromes present a wide range of clinical features, dominated by severe infections and haematological disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome. Up to 70% of patients with GATA2 mutations have dermatological features, mainly genital or extragenital warts, panniculitis or erythema nodosum and lymphoedema. We report three patients presenting with common dermatological and haematological features leading to the diagnosis of GATA2 deficiency, but also with skin manifestations that have not been previously described: gingival hypertrophy, macroglossitis and glossitis and granulomatous lupoid facial lesions. Dermatologists can encounter patients with GATA2 mutations and should recognize this disorder.
Subject(s)
GATA2 Deficiency/complications , GATA2 Transcription Factor/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Skin Diseases/genetics , Adult , Child , Erythema Nodosum/genetics , Facial Dermatoses/genetics , Female , GATA2 Deficiency/diagnosis , Gingival Hypertrophy/genetics , Glossitis/genetics , Humans , Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/genetics , Lymphedema/genetics , Male , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) classification distinguishes three entities among the large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGL leukemia): T-cell LGL leukemia (T-LGL leukemia), aggressive natural killer (NK) cell leukemia, and chronic NK lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), the later considered as a provisional entity. Only a few and small cohorts of chronic NK LPD have been published. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report here clinicobiological features collected retrospectively from 70 cases of chronic NK LPD, and compared with those of T-LGL leukemia. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between chronic NK LPD and T-LGL leukemia concerning median age [61 years (range 23-82 years)], organomegaly (26%), associated autoimmune diseases (24%), and associated hematological malignancies (11%). Patients with chronic NK LPD were significantly less symptomatic (49% versus 18%, P < 0.001) and the association with rheumatoid arthritis was more rarely observed (7% versus 17%, P = 0.03). The neutropenia (<0.5 × 10(9)/l) was less severe in chronic NK LPD (33% versus 61%, P < 0.001) without difference in the rate of recurrent infections. STAT3 mutation was detected in 12% of the cohort, which is lower than the frequency observed in T-LGL leukemia. Thirty-seven percent of the patients required specific therapy. Good results were obtained with cyclophosphamide. Overall and complete response rates were, respectively, 69% and 56%. Overall survival was 94% at 5 years. CONCLUSION: This study suggests very high similarities between chronic NK LPD and T-LGL leukemias. Since chronic NK LPD is still a provisional entity, our findings should be helpful when considering further revisions of the WHO classification.
Subject(s)
Killer Cells, Natural/pathology , Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic/pathology , Lymphoproliferative Disorders/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic/classification , Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic/genetics , Lymphoproliferative Disorders/classification , Lymphoproliferative Disorders/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics , World Health OrganizationABSTRACT
The 3 main types of cardiac amyloidosis are linked to two protein precursors: AL amyloidosis secondary to free light chain deposits in the context of monoclonal gammopathy (mainly of undetermined significance or myeloma) and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), comprising wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt for wild type) and hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv for variant). These diseases are underdiagnosed and highly prevalent in common cardiac phenotypes in recent studies (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, severe aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Myocardial amyloid infiltration affects all cardiac structures and clinically promotes predominantly heart failure, conductive disorders and cardioembolic events. The search for extracardiac signs makes it possible to arouse diagnostic suspicion. Electrocardiogram, echocardiography and cardiac MRI can suspect cardiac amyloidosis. The diagnostic confirmation follows a simple algorithm including a systematic search for monoclonal gammapathy and a disphosphonate scintigraphy. Histological proof is necessary in case of AL or ATTR amyloidosis with concomitant monoclonal gammopathy in order to initiate specific treatment. Due to the late disease onset in ATTRv, genetic testing must be routine in all cases of ATTR. These diseases are no longer perceived as incurable since recent therapeutic innovations. A better knowledge of the disease is more than ever necessary.
Subject(s)
Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial , Cardiomyopathies , Heart Failure , Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis , Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance , Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial/complications , Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial/diagnosis , Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial/therapy , Cardiomyopathies/diagnosis , Humans , Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis/diagnosisABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hydroxyurea is an antimetabolite drug used in the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders. Common adverse effects include haematological, gastrointestinal cutaneous manifestations, and fever. Hydroxyurea-induced pneumonitis is unusual. CASE REPORT: A female patient was treated with hydroxyurea for polycythemia vera. She was admitted 20 days after commencing treatment with a high fever, productive cough, clear sputum and nausea. A chest CT-scan showed diffuse ground-glass opacities. Microbiological investigations were negative. The symptoms disappeared a few days after discontinuation of the drug and rechallenge led to a relapse of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our case and 15 earlier cases of hydroxyurea-induced pneumonitis are reviewed. Two patterns of this disease may exist: an acute febrile form occurring within 1 month of introduction of hydroxyurea and a subacute form without fever. Even if uncommon, one should be aware of this complication of hydroxyurea.