Efficacy and safety of anagrelide as a first-line drug in cytoreductive treatment-naïve essential thrombocythemia patients in a real-world setting.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy and safety of anagrelide in cytoreduction therapy-naïve essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients in a real-world setting. METHOD: Data from 53 ET patients who received anagrelide as a first-line therapy were reviewed for patient characteristics, antiplatelet status, cytoreduction status, therapeutic effects, adverse events, thrombohemorrhagic event development, progression to myelofibrosis or acute leukemia, and cause of death. RESULTS: The rate of achieving a platelet count of <600 × 109 /L during anagrelide monotherapy was 83.0%. Adverse events occurred in 32 of 53 patients, and tended to be slightly more severe in patients with cardiac failure; however, they were mostly tolerable. The therapeutic effect of anagrelide was consistent, regardless of genetic mutation profiles. The incidence of anemia as an adverse event was significantly higher in the CALR mutation-positive group. Favorable platelet counts were also achieved in patients for whom hydroxyurea was introduced as a replacement for anagrelide or in addition to anagrelide because of unresponsiveness or intolerance to treatment. CONCLUSION: In Japanese cytoreduction therapy-naïve ET patients, anagrelide administration as a first-line therapy demonstrated favorable effects in reducing platelet counts, and its safety profile that was generally consistent with those in previous reports.

Human herpesvirus 6 encephalitis in patients administered mycophenolate mofetil as prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) encephalitis is a known life-threatening complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, few studies have focused on the occurrence of HHV-6 encephalitis in patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combined with a calcineurin inhibitor as prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This study aimed to investigate the impact of MMF administered for GVHD prophylaxis in the occurrence of HHV-6 encephalitis after allo-HSCT and the characteristics of this condition. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed 73 patients who underwent allo-HSCT (83 transplants) at our hospital between April 2010 and December 2015. MMF (2-3 g/d) was administered along with a calcineurin inhibitor. Seven patients (8.0%) developed encephalitis due to HHV-6. The median period from allo-HSCT to the onset of HHV-6 encephalitis was 23 days (range, 17-98 days). The cumulative incidence of HHV-6 encephalitis on day 100 after treatment was 12% and 6% in patients who underwent cord blood transplantation (CBT) and non-CBT (ie, bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation), respectively (P = 0.344). Neurological symptoms of encephalitis were more severe in non-CBT cases than those in CBT cases. All patients diagnosed with HHV-6 encephalitis were treated with ganciclovir or foscarnet. None of the enrolled patients died from HHV-6 encephalitis. CONCLUSIONS: Mycophenolate mofetil may have the potential to increase the frequency of severe HHV-6 encephalitis in patients undergoing CBT and non-CBT. Thus, MMF should be administered with caution, and patients should be monitored closely for HHV-6 encephalitis even those who did not undergo CBT.

[Systemic mastocytosis with refractory ascites successfully treated with interferon-α and a leukotriene receptor antagonist].

A 67-year-old male was referred to our hospital because of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and massive ascites. A diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis was made based on the observation of many mast cells in his bone marrow, elevated serum tryptase levels, and the presence of c-kit point mutation Asp816Val. Dasatinib and cladribine were ineffective, and a large volume of ascites was removed approximately every 3 days. Then, following an asthma attack, the patient was treated with pranlukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA). After LTRA treatment initiation, the frequency of ascites drainage decreased, and no puncture was necessary from the 10th day after the start of LTRA. Interferon α (IFN-α) was administered from the 15th day after the start of LTRA. Thereafter, his anemia and thrombocytopenia gradually improved, the ascites disappeared, the mast cells in his bone marrow were significantly reduced, and the Asp816Val mutation disappeared. Because persistent monocytosis was evident, he was suspected of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia but has not been diagnosed and is undergoing watchful waiting. This was considered to be a rare case of refractory ascites in which IFN-α was effective and LTRA might have been beneficial.

Mantle cell lymphoma presenting with spontaneous splenic rupture.

A 48-year-old man was transferred to our emergency room because of sudden-onset epigastric pain and nausea. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed splenomegaly with splenic infarction and intra-abdominal bleeding, suggestive of splenic rupture. An emergent open splenectomy was performed. His spleen was markedly swollen and showed continuous bleeding due to a laceration. On histopathological examination, his spleen was filled with abnormal tumor cells. He was diagnosed as having mantle cell lymphoma based on the findings of immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analyses of the spleen. Mantle cell lymphoma cells were identified in the bone marrow and ileum, and he was determined to be in stageIVA by positron emission tomography (PET)-CT. He was administered rituximab combined with hyper-CVAD/MA chemotherapy (R-hyper-CVAD/MA regimen). After two courses of the R-hyper-CVAD/MA regimen, he achieved complete response, as confirmed by PET-CT. He received four courses in total of the R-hyper-CVAD/MA regimen, followed sequentially by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto-PBSCT). He is currently alive and free of disease. This is the 10(th) report of a mantle cell lymphoma case with spontaneous splenic rupture. We herein review previous reports and emphasize the importance of awareness of hematological malignancies when encountering a case with spontaneous splenic rupture.

[ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA COMPLICATED BY DISSEMINATED TUBERCULOSIS AT DIAGNOSIS].

A 58-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of fever and night sweating. Laboratory examinations showed pancytopenia on admission. Examination of bone marrow smear specimens revealed many myeloblasts, thus the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was made. In contrast, many central necrotic epithelioid granulomas were found in clot specimens prepared from the same bone marrow sample. Computed tomography showed small lymphadenopathies and hepatosplenomegaly. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated only from the urine culture. These findings of the bone marrow and the urine culture led to the diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis. Therefore, these results mentioned above led to the diagnosis of AML complicated with disseminated tuberculosis. After disseminated tuberculosis treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs, induction chemotherapy for AML helped the patient to achieve complete remission (CR). During treatment and CR, he showed a paradoxical reaction with lymph node enlargement without worsening of disseminated tuberculosis. This is a rare case of AML complicated by disseminated tuberculosis.

Successful treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia in a patient undergoing hemodialysis with arsenic trioxide.

A man undergoing hemodialysis was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). He received arsenic trioxide as a single agent and achieved complete molecular remission without severe adverse events. Arsenic trioxide can be used safely and effectively for patients with APL under hemodialysis.

Successful treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia in a patient under hemodialysis with arsenic trioxide.

A man with chronic kidney disease (CKD) under hemodialysis was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). He received arsenic trioxide as a single agent and achieved complete molecular remission without severe adverse events. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) can be used safely and effectively for APL with CKD.

Hepatic Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting as Solitary Hepatic Mass Following Other Iatrogenic Immunodeficiency-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) occur frequently in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) under methotrexate treatment. Some LPDs spontaneously regressed after methotrexate discontinuation, but classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL)-type LPDs frequently relapse, and chemotherapy is usually required for the treatment. CHL usually spreads in contiguous lymph nodes and then infiltrates in organs at an advanced stage. Thus, hepatic Hodgkin lymphoma (HHL) without lymphadenopathy is extremely rare at diagnosis. We present a case of methotrexate-associated LPDs associated with systemic lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenic mass in a 71-year-old woman with RA under methotrexate treatment over 10 years. Although spontaneous remission occurred after methotrexate discontinuation, she developed HHL presenting as a solitary hepatic mass without lymphadenopathy 3 years after spontaneous regression. She received brentuximab vedotin (BV) combination chemotherapy without bleomycin to avoid pulmonary toxicity. Complete metabolic response was achieved after four courses of BV combination chemotherapy, and the activity of RA was kept to be in remission. Our case suggested that the recurrence lesions of LPDs may present at unexpected site, which is not coincide with the primary site, and BV combination chemotherapy is a promising regimen for limited-stage CHL-type LPDs in patients with RA owing to its anti-lymphoma effect on CHL-type LPDs and a possible targeted therapy for RA.

Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Adrenal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma after Treatment for Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) can be complicated by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive B-cell lymphoma. B-cell lymphoma may develop simultaneously at the time of AITL diagnosis or after treatment for AITL. EBV-associated B-cell lymphoma can occur in nodal and extranodal sites. We report a case of EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the left adrenal gland that developed after treatment for AITL. The patient presented with systemic lymphadenopathy and biopsy of one lymph node showed AITL. A complete response (CR) was achieved after initial chemotherapy for AITL, but 9 months later the left adrenal gland was enlarged. The diagnosis of EBV-positive DLBCL was made based on the histopathological findings of the left adrenal gland biopsy. Thus, EBV-positive DLBCL developed after AITL CR was achieved. Multi-drug chemotherapy combined with rituximab was administered for adrenal DLBCL, but only a partial response was achieved. We confirmed that EBV-positive B-cell lymphoma developed after treatment for AITL. An adrenal primary is rare, and this is only the second case of EBV-positive B-cell lymphoma to be reported after treatment for AITL. Clinicians should keep in mind that when nodal and extranodal lesions are seen after AITL treatment, another biopsy should be performed for the accurate determination of whether these lesions indicate AITL relapse or new-onset EBV-positive B-cell lymphoma. LEARNING POINTS: We report a case of EBV-positive B-cell lymphoma of the adrenal gland after treatment for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL)When patients present with signs and symptoms suggestive of relapse after AITL treatment, another biopsy should be performed for the accurate determination of whether these lesions indicate AITL relapse or new-onset of EBV-positive B-cell lymphoma.The involvement of extranodal sites may indicate a poor prognosis of EBV-positive B-cell lymphoma after AITL treatment.

Comparison of starting doses of anagrelide as a first-line therapy in patients with cytoreductive therapy-naïve essential thrombocythemia: difference between starting at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/day.

Anagrelide is widely used for cytoreductive therapy in patients with essential thrombocythemia who are at high risk for thrombosis. The recommended starting dose in the package insert of anagrelide varies by country. A high starting dose leads to an early onset of action, but causes a higher incidence of adverse events. This relationship indicates that both the onset of action and side effects of anagrelide are dose dependent. We retrospectively compared the efficacy and safety of anagrelide as a first-line drug between patients with essential thrombocythemia who started at 0.5 or 1.0 mg/day. Incidence of total adverse events and anagrelide-related palpitation, discontinuation rates, and the median daily dose of anagrelide were lower in the 0.5 mg/day group than in the 1.0 mg/day group; however, comparable platelet-lowering effects were achieved in both groups. These data suggest that a low starting dose of anagrelide followed by dose escalation may result in fewer adverse events and lower discontinuation rates, while providing desirable platelet-lowering effects. Initiating anagrelide at a lower dose may be a useful approach in actual clinical practice.

Spontaneous regression of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the small intestine with multiple lymphadenopathy.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is classified as an aggressive lymphoma due to its poor prognosis regardless of the treatment. Almost all cases of DLBCL are treated using rituximab-combination chemotherapy, but spontaneous regression without any therapeutic modalities may rarely occur. A 35-year-old man complained of abdominal pain and discomfort. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) demonstrated abnormal accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose in the thickened wall of the small intestine and multiple lymphadenopathy. Laparoscopic lymph node biopsy was performed, and the diagnosis of DLBCL was made based on the biopsy findings. Soon after the laparoscopic biopsy, the patient felt free from any symptoms. Approximately three months later, no abnormal accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose in the entire body was found on PET-CT. He has remained in complete metabolic remission for over three years according to PET-CT. We discuss the mechanism of this rare phenomenon.

Successful Bridging Chemotherapy with Gemcitabine, Carboplatin, and Dexamethasone before Unrelated Stem Cell Transplantation for Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma.

A 45-year-old woman was diagnosed with hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. She received different types of chemotherapy, but disease progression was observed. To reduce the tumor burden before an unrelated bone marrow transplantation, combination chemotherapy consisting of the gemcitabine, carboplatin, and dexamethasone (GCD) was administered as bridging therapy, resulting in a reduction in the number of lymphoma cells. We were then able to perform bone marrow transplantation. Although she experienced some adverse events, she successfully achieved long-term remission. We herein report a successful case of HSTCL treated with unrelated stem cell transplantation following the GCD regimen as bridging chemotherapy.

Isolated Pituitary Stalk Relapse of Primary Penile Lymphoma.

A 76-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital because of the occurrence of multiple nodules on the shaft of his penis. He was diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). His lymphoma was located only in his penis. He received immunochemotherapy and involved-field radiotherapy, and achieved complete response (CR). About two years later, he complained of a poor appetite. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass lesion in the pituitary stalk. Biopsy of this mass revealed the recurrence of DLBCL. He received whole-brain radiotherapy, and achieved CR. This is the first case of an isolated pituitary stalk relapse of primary penile lymphoma.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Basophilic Differentiation Transformed from Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) terminally transforms to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or bone marrow failure syndrome, but acute myeloid leukemia with basophilic differentiation has been rarely reported. An 81-year-old man was referred to our department for further examination of intermittent fever and normocytic anemia during immunosuppressive treatment. Chromosomal analysis showed additional abnormalities involving chromosome 7. He was diagnosed as having MDS. At the time of diagnosis, basophils had not proliferated in the bone marrow. However, his anemia and thrombocytopenia rapidly worsened with the appearance of peripheral basophilia three months later. He was diagnosed as having AML with basophilic differentiation transformed from MDS. At that time, monosomy 7 was detected by chromosomal analysis. We found that basophils can be confirmed on the basis of the positivity for CD203c and CD294 by flow cytometric analysis. We also found by cytogenetic analysis that basophils were derived from myeloblasts. He refused any chemotherapy and became transfusion-dependent. He died nine months after the transformation. We should keep in mind that MDS could transform to AML with basophilic differentiation when peripheral basophilia in addition to myeloblasts develops in patients with MDS.

Solitary Pyomyositis of the Left Rhomboideus Muscle Caused by Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus intermedius in an Immunocompetent Person.

Primary pyomyositis is a bacterial infection of the skeletal muscle commonly affecting children with Staphylococcus aureus most often isolated as a pathogen. However, pyomyositis caused by anaerobic bacteria is rare in adults. Here, we report a case of solitary Pyomyositis of the left rhomboideus muscle in an immunocompetent person. A 70-year-old Japanese male presented with high fever and left shoulder pain. His muscle below the lower edge of the left scapula was tender and swollen. His laboratory examinations revealed severe inflammation. Computed tomography showed a solitary low-density area around a contrast enhancement in the left rhomboideus muscle. He was diagnosed as having solitary pyomyositis. Although his symptoms did not improve despite empiric intravenous administration of antibiotics, an incision was performed. Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus intermedius were isolated from the culture of drainage fluid. His symptoms gradually disappeared after the incisional drainage and continuous administration of antibiotics. Pyomyositis did not recur after his discharge. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on anaerobic pyomyositis of the shoulder muscle.

Primary myelofibrosis terminated in basophilic leukemia and successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Transformation of primary myelofibrosis (PMF) to basophilic leukemia is very rare. We report the case of a 44-year-old man who had had PMF for 6 years. His hematopoiesis deteriorated with marked splenomegaly, requiring multiple red blood cell and platelet transfusions. Soon after splenectomy, progressive basophilia (32.3 x 10(9)/L) developed, infiltrating the skin as well as the bone marrow. The patient underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with cells from an HLA-matched sibling. Despite the presence of hyperhistaminemia (99.1 ng/mL) after conditioning with cyclophosphamide, the pregrafting and post-grafting periods were uneventful. Prophylactic administration of both H1 and H2 receptor antagonists and sufficient hydration appeared to be important.

Effects of immunosuppressive therapy in a patient with aplastic anemia-paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (AA-PNH) syndrome during ongoing eculizumab treatment.

A 65-year-old woman experienced a hemolytic attack triggered by sepsis. She presented with markedly increased CD55(-) CD59(-) erythrocytes and the signs of bone marrow failure, which led to a diagnosis of aplastic anemia-paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (AA-PNH) syndrome. There was a possibility of increasing hemolysis, as large PNH clones remained after immunosuppressive therapy (IST). Accordingly, eculizumab was first used to control the hemolytic attack followed by IST with antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine A. The patient was successfully weaned from blood transfusions and has been followed up without any recurrence of hemolytic attacks.

Factors predictive of neonatal thrombocytopenia in pregnant women with immune thrombocytopenia.

To determine predictive factors for neonatal thrombocytopenia in deliveries with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), we conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary hospital between 1997 and 2013. During this period, 30 women with ITP delivered 44 children. Neonatal thrombocytopenia (<100 × 10(9)/L) at birth was observed in seven neonates; four of these cases were severe (<50 × 10(9)/L). No cases were complicated by intracranial hemorrhage, and there was no neonatal mortality. Platelet counts at birth of neonates born to mothers, who had first been diagnosed with ITP during pregnancy were significantly higher than those born to mothers diagnosed with ITP before pregnancy. There were significant correlations between neonatal platelet counts in the first and second siblings at birth (P = 0.015) and at nadir (P = 0.035). Platelet counts of neonates born vaginally were significantly more likely to decline after birth than those delivered by cesarean section (13/16 vs. 10/23, P = 0.024). In conclusion, diagnosis of ITP before pregnancy was significantly associated with neonatal thrombocytopenia, and the platelet count of an older sibling is a strong predictor for that of the next baby. The delivery mode may be an indicator of the timing of platelet count nadir after birth.