Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, T-cell-rich/histiocyte-rich variant (DLBL-TH), is characterized by the presence of neoplastic B cells set in a background containing numerous non-neoplastic T lymphocytes and histiocytes. We report here the case of a patient with DLBL-TH who developed overt pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) following chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Posttransplantation bone marrow biopsies revealed the absence of erythroid precursors associated with lymphoid aggregates composed of B cells mixed with numerous T cells and histiocytes. Administration of rituximab has led to complete recovery of erythropoiesis, which was associated not only with B cell depletion but also with a marked reduction in bone marrow T cells and histiocytes. These observations strongly suggest the particular pathogenetic role of the patient’s B cells in inducing PRCA and recruiting T cells and histiocytes in situ.

Keywords:
B cell lymphoma, Pure red cell aplasia, Rituximab
© 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel
2005
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.