A Rare Coexistence of Smoldering Multiple Myeloma and JAK2-Positive Myeloproliferative Neoplasm: A Case of Dual Synchronous Hematological Malignancy

This article explores the rare case of an 82-year-old man diagnosed concurrently with essential thrombocythemia and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). The limited existing literature on individuals harboring both myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and monoclonal gammopathy (MG) is of significant interest due to the distinct origins of these malignancies. The etiology of MG in MPN patients remains elusive, leading to speculation about a potential relationship or interplay between the two conditions. This unique case prompts a deeper exploration of the mechanisms underlying the coexistence of JAK2-positive MPN and SMM. It underscores the importance of tailored therapeutic strategies that carefully consider the inherent risks and potential adverse outcomes associated with these specific malignancies, thereby warranting further clinical research.

Atypical Migration in Serum Immunofixation of Immunoglobulin A with Masked kappa Light Chains: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

We report a case of a patient with immunoglobulin A multiple myeloma associated with a masked kappa light chain. Serum immunofixation showed a monoclonal band in the IgA heavy chain lane without corre-spondence with the light chain and a monoclonal band in total kappa light chain lane without correspondence with the heavy chain.

METHODS

To distinguish between heavy chain disease and immunoglobulin with "masked" light chains, two tubes containing the patient's serum were incubated with a very high concentration of anti-total kappa and anti-total lambda antisera for 48 hours at 4°C in order to facilitate immunoprecipitation of the involved light chain. After centrifugation, the supernatant was analyzed by using the IFs method on the Hydrasys 2 Scan Focusing Sebia® without dilution. Then we applied the anti-IgA, anti-total kappa and anti-total lambda antisera.

RESULTS

The serum immunofixation test of the sample treated with a high concentration of anti-total kappa showed the disappearance of the monoclonal bands corresponding to IgA heavy chain lane and kappa light chain lane, indicating that precipitation had occurred and that the IgA did have kappa light chains that could not be detected by the standard immunofixation protocol. The serum immunofixation test of the sample treated with anti-total lambda showed the disappearance of the polyclonal background in lambda light chain lane, confirming that the precipitation with lambda light chains according to the previously mentioned protocol has done well.

CONCLUSIONS

This case illustrates some of the difficulties encountered and the corrective actions that can be taken for the detection of immunoglobulins with masked light chains.

Fatal Cryptococcal Meningitis in a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treated With Ibrutinib

According to the latest World Health Organization classification published in 2022, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is classified as a low-grade proliferation of clonal B-cells. The Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) pathway plays a crucial role in B-cell receptor signaling. Ibrutinib, the first irreversible BTK inhibitor, has been shown to improve the survival of CLL patients with lower toxicity than traditional chemotherapy. Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection that primarily affects individuals with compromised immune systems. We present a case of a 69-year-old male with relapsed CLL who received treatment with ibrutinib and subsequently developed meningeal cryptococcosis, presenting with seizures and fever. A physical exam showed bilateral hypoacusis, but no focal deficits. Cerebral imaging was normal and laboratory results showed a low gamma globulin level and leucopenia with lymphopenia but without neutropenia. The cerebrospinal fluid profile was not inflammatory, opening pressure was normal, the classic India ink test was positive, and fungal cultures grew Cryptococcus neoformans. To complete investigations, HIV testing was negative, and sinus and chest tomography scans showed no anomalies. Treatment consisted of discontinuing ibrutinib and administering anti-fungal therapy with liposomal amphotericin (4 mg/kg/day) in combination with flucytosine (25 mg/kg/day). However, the patient's neurological status declined, and he passed away. This case highlights the potential risk of developing opportunistic infections such as cryptococcal meningitis in CLL patients treated with ibrutinib. It is crucial to consider the patient's immune status when administering ibrutinib and to closely monitor for signs of infection.

Epidemiology of monoclonal gammopathy in Morocco - A hospital-based study

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal gammopathies are a group of disorders associated with clonal proliferation of plasma cells that produces a monoclonal protein.

AIMS

The main objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and immunochemical characteristics of monoclonal gammopathies diagnosed during 19 years in a Moroccan teaching hospital.

MATERIALS AND RESULTS

This retrospective study enrolled 443 Moroccan patients with monoclonal gammopathy, patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria in at the biochemistry department of Military Hospital in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, from January 2000 to August 2019. Of the 443 enrolled patients, 320 (72.23%) were men and 123 (27.77%) were women. All patients were of Caucasian origin, from 12 Moroccan regions. The patient's samples were collected and subjected to serum protein electrophoresis and serum immunofixation electrophoresis to further characterize the monoclonal protein. The mean ± SD age of the 443 participants was 62.24 ± 13.14 years. Reasons for being admitted to the hospital were as follows, bone pain (41.60%), renal failure (19.08%), alteration of the general condition (12.21%), and anemia (10.69). Plasma cell proliferative disorders in our study were as follows, multiple myeloma (MM) (45.65%), Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS) (39.05%), Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (5.58%), Lymphoma (2.27% + 1.2%), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (2.48%), Plasma cell leukemia (1.86%), Plasmacytoma (0.62%), POEMS syndrome (0.41%), and Amyloidosis (0.84%). The most frequent isotypes in MM were the IgGκ (62) 36.5%, IgGλ (52) 30.6%, IgAκ (27) 15.9%, and the IgAλ (19) 11.2%. It is also worth noting that Free light chain MM represents 20% of all cases of MM.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that monoclonal gammopathies are age-related and affects men more than women, also the results of this study point to the delayed diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies, since most of our patients were diagnosed at the MM stage. The most frequent isotypes were the IgGκ and IgGλ in MM and MGUS, in Waldenström macroglobulinemia were IgMκ and IgMλ and the oligoclonal profile represented only 3.70%.

Bleomycin-Induced Lung Toxicity in Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Risk Factors in the Positron Emission Tomography Era

Introduction

Bleomycin is a major antimitotic agent in the first-line treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma. The main limitation of its use is its pulmonary toxicity. The objectives of this study are to find out the risk factors for the occurrence of bleomycin-induced lung toxicity in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma and, on the other hand, to determine if positron emission tomography scan is a reliable means of early detection of this toxicity.

Methods

This is a retrospective study conducted in the clinical Hematology Department of Mohammed V Military Instruction Hospital, Rabat, Morocco. All patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma and treated with a bleomycin-based chemotherapy were included. The impact of different clinical and biological factors on the risk of bleomycin-induced lung toxicity occurrence was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The benefit of positron emission tomography, usually performed as part of the re-assessment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma after two and four cycles, has been evaluated in the detection of bleomycin-induced lung toxicity.

Results

Among 124 patients included in the study, 18 (14.5%) patients experienced bleomycin-induced lung toxicity. On multivariate analysis, smoking (p = 0.038) and the use of the ABVD regimen (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) compared to the escalated BEACOPPe regimen (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) (p = 0.018) were statistically significant risk factors.

After two and four courses of therapy, the positron emission tomography was able to predict the occurrence of bleomycin-induced lung toxicity before the appearance of clinical symptoms only in 36.4 % and 12.5% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Studies to identify risk factors for the development of bleomycin-induced lung toxicity are crucial to reduce toxicity in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, two- and four-cycle positron emission tomography scans cannot be considered as a reliable means of early detection of this toxicity.

Essential thrombocythemia and aortic dissection,causal or incidental association?

Only few cases of vascular dissection and essential thrombocythemia association have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, we reported the second case of aortic dissection and essential thrombocythemia association in a 60-year-old man with positive JAK2V617F mutation who had no history of hypertension or connective tissue disorders. Through this case, we discussed the eventual existence of a causal relationship between the two conditions. We also suggested the use of hydroxyurea as a prevention treatment of thrombosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms.

L’érythroblastopénie et la myélofibrose primitive : association très rare: à propos d’un cas

L´association de l´érythroblastopénie et la myélofibrose primitive est très rare. Nous présentons dans ce papier un cas inhabituel d´un patient âgé de 76 ans d´origine marocaine suivi depuis 2018 pour une érythroblastopénie idiopathique traitée initialement par la corticothérapie puis la ciclosporine. Deux ans plus tard, le patient rapporte l´installation de douleurs osseuses avec une splénomégalie. Un bilan comprenant le myélogramme, la biopsie ostéo-médullaire et la biologie moléculaire a révélé une myélofibrose. Le bilan étiologique de la myélofibrose est revenu négatif concluant à la nature primitive. Le patient est mis sous ruxolitinib avec un support transfusionnel. L´évolution était favorable marquée par une amélioration de son état général, sa splénomégalie et du rythme transfusionnel. L´association de l´érythroblastopénie et d´un syndrome myéloprolifératif reste exceptionnelle et jusqu´à présent seulement quelques cas sont rapportés dans la littérature.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with HBV-HCV coinfection in adult: Case report

The case reported is the first case in Morocco to our knowledge. The reason for sharing this case is to facilitate knowledge transfer between physicians, caring for adult patients with HLH, with the aim to improve the outcome of these patients.

Bilateral renal involvement in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography

Secondary renal involvement in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is rare and associated with poor prognosis. We, hereby, described a case of a patient diagnosed with DLBCL, in whom bilateral renal involvement was detected on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT). The patient received 4 courses of chemotherapy, and follow-up ¹⁸F-FDG PET/ CT revealed the complete resolution of the diffuse increased renal ¹⁸F-FDG uptake. Renal lymphoma is uncommon and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is particularly useful for detecting extranodal involvement in DLBLC.

[A monocentric study on the management of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes in Morocco]

We conducted a retrospective descriptive analytical study in the Department of Clinical Haematology at the Mohammed V Military Training Hospital in Rabat over a period of 10 years. This study included 76 patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) between 2008 and 2018. The average number of cases per year was 7.6. Out of 76 patients, 57% were men and 43% were women. The average age of our study population was 65.75 ± 12.55. The average age was 66.88 ± 13.10. No cases of profession exposed to disease was reported. Ninety-seven point three percent of patients had primary myelodysplastic syndrome and only 2 or 2.7% had myelodysplastic syndrome secondary to chemotherapy. The average time between the first visit and the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome was, on average, 33.6 days ± 51, with a median of 19 days. The IPSS prognostic score was: low risk in 37.4% of cases, intermediate risk 1 in 46.6% of cases, intermediate risk in 12% of cases and high risk in 4% of cases. Thus, 84% of patients had low-risk MDS and 16% had high-risk MDS. Regular monitoring of patients showed many complications such as bleeding in 13% of patients, infections in 8% of cases, secondary hemochromatosis as a result of iterative transfusions in 6.6% of patients and transformation to acute myeloid leukemia in 2.7% of patients. In our study, abstention was the therapeutic choice in 42.1% of patients, transfusion was recommended in 35.5% of patients: red cells in 70% of cases, platelet concentrates in 40% of cases, iron chelators in 25% of transfused patients and EPO in 27% of patients. azacitidine was prescribed in 18% of patients, 50% had low-risk MDS and 50% had high-risk MDS. Bone marrow transplant was the only curative treatment for MDS. It was performed in a single patient with high risk MDS.

Bing-Neel syndrome revealing Waldenström's macroglobulinemia: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Bing-Neel syndrome is a lympho-plasmocytic infiltration of the central nervous system. The Bing-Neel syndrome is a rare entity, which often occurs during the evolution of a Waldenström's macroglobulinemia but can in some cases be the revealing mode of it.

OBSERVATION

We report the case of a 56-year-old patient with tumoral form of Bing-Neel syndrome revealing Waldentrom's macroglobulinemia.

CONCLUSION

This observation describes a rare entity whose diagnosis and therapeutic management is complex.

Managing Cancer Center During the SARS-COVID-19 Pandemic: Moroccan Experience

Objective: The principal aim of this work is to describe the different measures taken by three departments involved in treatment of patients followed for cancer during the SARS pandemic COVID-19. Method: A prospective study, using anonymous questionnaire, among the medical and paramedical team of hematology, medical oncology and radiotherapy during the pandemic. Results: The staff nursing was mainly constituted by a paramedical team (71,5%), with female predominance at 77,8%, sex ratio F/M=3,5, the high majority range age of the team was 30-45 years, living as a couple (52,4%). During the Covid pandemic, all our staff used bib, normal bib (76,2%), FPP2 (20,6%) combined bib (FFP2/normal) in 28,6% with visor in 6,3%. The duration of using of the same bib was variable, it has been used for 12h and more in 52, 5% and during 4h, 6h and 8h in 12,5%, 7, 5% and 27,5% respectively. For the out work management, more than half of our team return home without confinement to their family or children and only 8% have been confined on hotel. Our staff expressed a very important professional impact in 87,3% as well as in their personal lives in 85,7%.Conclusion: The vulnerability of the patients followed for cancer had obliged heath professional in this field to be even more rigorous and more vigilant on protective measures while ensuring continuity of care during the COVID pandemic. Our study illustrates that, despite the staff’s efforts of adaptation, the impact in personal and professional lives has been not negligible.

[Chronic paraneoplastic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuritis secondary to nasal natural killer lymphoma]

Nous rapportons un cas unique d´une polyradiculonévrite inflammatoire démyélinisante chronique paranéoplasique secondaire à un lymphome non hodgkinien T de type natural killer nasal.

Immature platelets: a review of the available evidence

Immature platelets or reticulated platelets are newly released thrombocytes. They can be identified by their large size and high RNA cytoplasm concentration. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) represents the percentage of immature circulative platelets to the total number of platelets. The development of analytical standardization of this hematological parameter by new automated devices allowed a better exploration of its contribution in a context of thrombocytopenia. In fact, several studies had confirmed its clinical utility to differentiate immune thrombocytopenia from other causes of thrombocytopenia. IPF can also predict platelets recovery after chemotherapy and successful engraftment. In addition, immature platelets have shown utility in other diseases such as coronary artery diseases, bacterial infections and liver diseases. Despite all these advantages, immature platelet fraction can be increased in some cases of thrombocytopenia characterized by platelets hypoproduction. The aim of this review is to present the immature platelet fraction contribution in clinical practice.

Non-cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cells autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma: Bicentric study

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to evaluate the toxicity of autologous transplantation of non-frozen peripheral blood stem cells in Moroccan patients with multiple myeloma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a bicentric retrospective study conducted in the Clinical Haematology Department of Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital and at the Al Madina Clinic in Casablanca. The study period was from January 2015 to June 2019. All patients with multiple myeloma who had undergone an autologous peripheral stem cell transplant without freezing were included. Mobilisation was performed with lenograstim alone and the collected stem cells were stored for 24-48hours in a blood bank refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C. After standard conditioning with high-dose melphalan, the peripheral blood stem cells were reinjected 24 h following conditioning.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 55 patients received an autologous transplant using non-frozen peripheral blood stem cells. The median richness of the CD34 cells collected was 4.5×10⁶ CD34/kg (range: 2-12.2). The time required for neutrophil recovery was 12 days (range: 7-19). The time required for platelet recovery was 14 days (range: 9-32). The mortality rate within 100 days post-transplant was 3.6%. We did not observe any cases of graft failure.

CONCLUSION

Our study finds good feasibility and low toxicity of autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation without freezing in patients with multiple myeloma.

[Thrombo-haemorrhagic disease-related hypoprothrombinemia-lupus anticoagulant syndrome revealing a light chains multiple myeloma]

Thrombosis and hemorrhage are two opposing manifestations of multiple myeloma. These hemostatic disorders are present in less than 12% of patients at diagnosis and involve various pathophysiological mechanisms. We report the case of a 39-year-old patient with multiple myeloma revealed by the association of a hemorrhagic syndrome and deep vein thrombosis related to a hypoprothrombinemia-anticoagulant lupus syndrome.

Erdheim-Chester disease: a rare histiocytosis (case report and review of the literature)

We report a case of Erdheim-chester disease, a rare non-langerhans histiocytosis revealed by polydipsia-polyuria syndrome in a 26 years old woman, trated by interferon with a good response.

Glomérulonéphrite extra-membraneuse et syndrome myélodysplasique: une association rare

Les syndromes myélodysplasiques peuvent s’accompagner de maladies auto-immunes. L’atteinte rénale au cours de ces syndromes est rare. Dans ce cas, les glomérulopathies prédominent cette atteinte. La glomérulonéphrite extra-membraneuse est exceptionnellement reportée en association avec un syndrome myélodysplasique. Nous rapportons dans ce papier le cas d’une patiente présentant une glomérulonéphrite associée à une anémie révélant un syndrome myélodysplasique de faible risque. Dans la lumière de ce cas, nous faisons une courte revue de la littérature des cas précédemment publiés et nous discutons le lien pathogénique entre ces deux entités.

Hemoglobinosis C in Morocco : A report of 111 cas

BACKGROUND

- Hemoglobin C is a hemoglobin variant encountered worldwide. The regionswith high prevalence are West Africa and South-East Asia.The objective of this study is to report cases of hemoglobin C disease brought together during these last twelve years in the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology of RabatMilitary Hospital Mohammed V (MHIMV).

METHODS

- This was a retrospective study including111 cases of hemoglobin C disease collected in the Laboratory of Biochemistry of the MHIMVover the past 12 years. A questionnairewasfulfilledwith the epidemiological data,clinical data and the results of the biological explorations. The screening of the hemoglobin variant in this study included several biochemical (hemoglobin electrophoresis at acid and alkalinepH) and hematological tests.

RESULTS

- Sex-ratio was equal to 1,22. The age at the time of diagnosis ranges between 4 and 80years old, with the mean of 38. North-West regions of Morocco seem most affected. The most frequent reasons for prescription of the hemoglobin's studywere: biological abnormalities, splenomegaly and anemic syndrome. Blood smear reveals frequently anisopoikilocytosis and red blood target. The biochemical tests contribute to the diagnosis and reveal various and varied etiological groups: heterozygous A/C (75%),homozygous C/C (8%), double heterozygous S/C (9%),C/β+-thal (6%) andC/O-Arab (2%). Conclusion - The results of the present descriptive study are in line with the literature data. The importance of genetic counseling and the installation of a national card of systematic neonatal tracking seemto be unavoidable.

[Acquired amegacaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura hiding acute myeloid leukemia]

Le purpura thrombopénique amégacaryocytaire acquis est une pathologie très rare caractérisé par une thrombopénie sévère liée une réduction ou une disparition des mégacaryocytes au niveau de la moelle osseuse. Il peut être primaire idiopathique ou secondaire à de nombreux états pathologique dont des hémopathies. Nous rapportons le cas d'un patient de 24 ans admis pour prise en charge d'un syndrome hémorragique mis sur le compte d'un purpura thrombopénique immunologique. Le diagnostic a été redressé en une amégacaryocytose aquise après un échec de la corticothérapie et la réalisation d'un myélogramme. Le patient a été mis sous traitement par ciclosporine avec une évolution rapide vers une leucémie aigue myéloblastique. La progression d'une amégacaryocytose acquise vers une leucémie aigue est rapporté mais généralement pas aussi rapidement et surtout précéder par un syndrome myélodysplasique ou une aplasie médullaire. Cette observation impose un suivi strict et rapproché de ces pathologies d'apparence bénigne.

Traitement des amyloses AL systémiques: à propos de 25 cas

L'amylose AL systémique primitive est un désordre hématologique rare. La plupart des recommandations thérapeutiques sont basées sur des études de phase II ou des comparaisons rétrospectives et des séries de cas. Le but de cette étude était de décrire les cas d'amylose primitive AL et de faire une comparaison entre le protocole standard Melphlan-Dexamethasone et les nouveaux agents dans le traitement de première ligne de ces patients. Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective, descriptive et multicentrique, portant sur l'ensemble des cas d'amyloses AL colligées durant une période s'étalant de juillet 2009 à juin 2016 au sein de 2 centres hospitaliers militaires. Vingt cinq patients ont été colligés dans notre série (12 traités par le Melphalan-Dexamethasone et 13 par des protocoles contenant au moins du Bortézomib ou du Lénalidomide). Il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre les 2 groupes en termes de caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques ou pronostiques. Après un suivi médian de 40 mois, la survie globale médiane était de 54 mois dans le groupe melphalan-Dexamethasone et de 60 mois dans le groupe nouvelles thérapeutiques (P = 0,98). Concernant la survie sans progression, elle était de 18 mois pour le groupe traitement standard contre 11 mois pour le 2^ème groupe (P = 0,08). Dans notre petite série nous n'avons pas trouvé une supériorité des nouvelles thérapeutiques par rapport au protocole classique. Ce résultat doit être confirmé par la réalisation d'une vraie étude prospective surtout en raison du coûtde ces nouvelles molécules qui ne sont pas toujours accessibles surtout dans les pays en voie de développement.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicating a T-cell rich B-cell lymphoma

Background

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults is often secundary to an infection or a neoplasm. In this last case, T cell lymphomas are the most frequent causes. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secundary to a B cell lymphoma has been rarely reported.

Case presentation

We describe a case of a hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicating a T-cell rich B-cell lymphoma treated with conventionnal chemotherapy leading to a complete remission.

Conclusion

Prompt etiologic diagnosis and treatment of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis leads to satisfactory outcome.

Prognostic factors predicting overall survival in Moroccan patients with myelodysplastic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Prognostic scores are an indispensable tool in the management of myelodysplastic syndromes.

AIM

Identify prognostic factors influencing overall survival of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

METHODS

We included all patients with myelodysplastic syndromes treated in the clinical hematology department of the military hospital of Rabat (Morocco).

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients were included. The sex ratio [M / F] was 1.8. The median age was 65.5 years. The median follow-up was 45 months. The karyotype prognostic was good in 74%. In univariate analysis, prognostic factors influencing overall survival are: Age (p = 0.024), karyotype (p = 0.033), rate of bone marrow blasts (p = 0.002), transfusion dependence (p = 0.002), number of cytopenias (p = 0.001), hemoglobin (p = 0.009) and neutrophil count (p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis the only prognostic factor that influenced overall survival was the karyotype (p = 0.036). Transfusion dependence (p = 0.072) and the rate of marrow blasts (p = 0.107) was close to significance. The WHO Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS), the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (RIPSS) influence overall survival with a statistical significance (p <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms the prognostic value of the karyotype and validated the WPSS, the IPSS and the RIPSS scores as significant predictors of overall survival in Moroccan patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

Risk factors and scoring system for predicting bacterial resistance to cefepime as used empirically in haematology wards

OBJECTIVES

Bacterial resistance is of growing concern in haematology wards. As the inappropriate administration of empirical antibacterial may alter survival, we studied risk factors for resistance to our usual empirical first-line antibacterial therapy, cefepime.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 103 first episodes of bacteraemia recorded in our haematology department over 2.5 years. Risk factors for cefepime-resistance were identified by multivariate logistic regression with backward selection (P < 0.05). A scoring system for predicting cefepime-resistance was built on independent factor, with an internal validation by the bootstrap resampling technique.

RESULTS

38 (37%) episodes were due to Gram-negative bacteria. Fifty (49%) were due to bacteria resistant to cefepime. Cefepime resistance was significantly associated with a decreased survival at day 30 (P < 0.05). Three risk factors were independently associated with cefepime-resistance: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; ≥18 days since hospital admission; and receipt of any β-lactam in the last month. Patients with ≥2 of these risk factors had a probability of 86% (CI 95%, 25 to 100%) to carry a cefepime-resistant strain.

CONCLUSION

Using our scoring system should reduce the indication of very broad antibacterial regimens in the empirical, first-line treatment of febrile hematology patients in more than 80% of the cases.

[Orbital mantle cell lymphoma]

Ophthalmological involvement in mantle cell lymphoma is rare. An 84-year-old man presented with bilateral proptosis. Orbital biopsy established the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma. The diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma is anatomopathological and immuno-histochemical. Orbital involvement is found most often in advanced stages of the disease, but may be the presenting sign as in the case of our patient. Treatment has improved with the use of rituximab, especially in elderly patients not eligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Monoclonal gammopathies in a Moroccan military hospital

The aim of this study was to describe biological features and aetiology of monoclonal gammopathy diagnosed during a 10-year period in the biochemistry department of the Moroccan Military Hospital Mohamed V in Rabat. The study was performed from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2009. The records of 261 patients living in the Rabat area in which either serum protein electrophoresis and serum and/or urine immunofixation were performed at the biochemistry department of Military Instruction Hospital in Rabat were analysed. A cohort of 182 (70%) men and 79 (30%) women, the mean ± SD (range) ages were 60.21 ± 12.56 years. All patients were Caucasian. Electrophoresis found that 211 (80.84%) of the patients had a monoclonal gammopathy. Immunofixation confirmed that 251 (96.17%) patients had a monoclonal band in serum. In our cohort, MM was the most frequent diagnosis, our patients were late diagnosed.

[Rare cause of severe hypoplasia: gelatinous transformation of bone marrow ]

Nous rapportons chez une patiente de 17 ans un cas rare d’hypoplasie sévère avec transformation gélatineuse de la moelle osseuse dont l’étiologie spécifique reste mystérieuse malgré un bilan diagnostique et étiologique assez détaillé. La transformation gélatineuse (encore appelée atrophie séreuse, ou moelle de déprivation) est caractérisée par l’association d’une hypoplasie médullaire et d’une infiltration interstitielle par une substance gélatineuse amorphe formée de mucopolysaccharides acides. Elle s’accompagne d’anomalies sanguines périphériques qui sont variables, souvent modérées et non corrélées à la gravité de l’atteinte centrale. Sa pathogénie, encore mal connue, est très certainement liée à la dénutrition chronique et les pathologies associées à une cachexie.

[Cutaneous blastomycosis revealing intravascular B-cell lymphoma: a case in Morocco]

Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by a thermally dimorphic fungus, Blastomyces dermatitidis. The incidence in immunocompromised patients has increased in the last two decades. A 55-year-old man consulted for inflammatory nodules on the forearm. Biopsy of one nodules showed a pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplastic epidermis overlaying a dense agranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate containing free-formed ovoid bodies enclosing giant macrophageous cells. These findings were consistent with blastomycosis. After a month of treatment cutaneous lesions regressed partially but the patient's general status continued to deteriorate with the appearance of an edematous-ascitic syndrome and icterus. Laboratory blood testing demonstrated cholestasia and abdominal ultrasound showed hepatosplenomegaly. Needle liver biopsy revealed giant B-cell lymphomatous infiltration of the hepatic ducts. The patient's condition worsened rapidly and he died five months after diagnosis despite four rounds of chemotherapy. Blastomycosis is rare in Morocco. Primary infection is usually a pneumonic process. Isolated cutaneous infection is possible but uncommon. To our knowledge the association of blastomycosis and intravascular lymphoma has not been previously reported. In immunocompromised patients, clinical findings can be alarming and the outcome can be rapidly fatal.

[Non-secreting myeloma associated with nephrotic syndrome]

The non-secreting myeloma is a rare form of myeloma. Its association with a nephrotic syndrome is exceptional. The observation which we report below described the history of a 66 years old patient who presents a non-secreting myeloma revealed by a nephrotic syndrome. Various assumptions on the mechanism of no excretion were put forth. Nevertheless, several points are to be elucidated as for the pathogenesis of the association non-secreting myeloma and nephrotic syndrome.

Efficacité du rituximab dans la leucémie à tricholeucocytes

INTRODUCTION

Rituximab is an alternative treatment for hairy cell leukemia, when the standard treatments are unavailable.

CASE

An 82-year-old woman was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia. The severity of her neutropenia ruled out purine analogs, while heart disease and age both contraindicated use of interferon. Rituximab, in four weekly treatments, was effective from the first treatment and the positive response was sustained thereafter.

DISCUSSION

Rituximab may be used to treat hairy cell leukemia, especially for patients refractory to purine analogs or after relapse or in the case of severe neutropenia, when interferon is contraindicated.

Ocular adnexal marginal zone B cell lymphoma: a clinical and pathologic study of 23 cases

To better characterize ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MZL-MALT), we analyzed the clinical and pathologic features of 23 patients (11 men, 12 women, median age 66 years). The tumor was confined to one ocular structure in 18 cases (conjunctiva, n=8; orbit, n=8; or lacrimal gland, n=2). Concurrent extraorbital disease was detected by the staging procedure in five patients, and preferentially involved other MALT sites. Histogenetic B cell marker studies, available in 13 cases, showed an early post-germinal center (GC) phenotype (BCL-6(-)/IRF4(+)/CD138(-)) (n=5) or a late post-GC phenotype (BCL-6(-)/IRF4(+)/CD138(+)) (n=8), which could be helpful for discrimination from other types of small-B cell lymphoma. BCL10 was positive in 12 of 13 patients tested, with nuclear (n=4) or cytoplasmic (n=8) immunoreactivity. These staining patterns ruled out t(1;14)(p22;q32) translocation. T(11;18)(q21;q21), another MZL-MALT-specific translocation, was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in four of 15 patients tested. Clinical outcome was excellent but the overall relapse rate was 26.1% with a median follow-up of 39 months (range 6-132 months). Regardless of the disease stage at diagnosis, combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy seemed to be more effective than chemotherapy alone in ocular adnexal MZL-MALT, as persistent complete remission was achieved in nine patients receiving combination therapy, while six of 14 patients treated with chemotherapy alone relapsed.

[Hepatosplenic and kidneys candidasis complicating an acute myeloblastic leukemia. A case treated with voriconazole and caspofungin]

We report the observation of hepato-splenic and kidneys candidiasis complicating the chemotherapy of a myeloblastic leukemia (LAM5b). Following the lack of effectiveness of a first line treatement, using amphotericine B liposomale and 5-fluorocytosine, implementation of an association of new molecules, a triazole of second generation (voriconazole) and an echinocandine (caspofungine) has allowed a successful result.