[Follicular lymphoma complicated with myelofibrosis and macroglobulinemia at initial presentation]

Abstract

A 49-year-old woman presented with pharyngeal and cervical lymph node swelling in December 2010. Biopsy of the pharynx demonstrated follicular lymphoma which secreted large volumes of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Bone marrow aspiration yielded a dry tap, and bone marrow biopsy demonstrated myelofibrosis associated with lymphoma cells on admission. The plasma concentration of TGF-β was elevated and monoclonal IgM gammopathy was detected. After only one course of chemotherapy with CHOP plus rituximab, remission of both lymphoma and myelofibrosis was achieved. Bone marrow aspiration became possible, and TGF-β and IgM levels normalized. Thus, the myelofibrosis was reversible.