Klin Onkol 2004; 17(1): 25-28.
Abstract: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) with combined warm and cold agglutinins is a relatively rare disroder, frequently associated with other diseases, e.g. malignant lymphomas. We report a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with bone marrow infiltration with initial manifestation as severe AIHA with warm and cold agglutinins. The patient received therapy for AIHA until early relapse unmasked the underlying malignancy. The patient then received combination chemotherapy with Rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody), which led to rapid disappearance of antibody titres. We include a review of literature and emphasise the importance of early bone marrow examination before starting immunosuppressive therapy for AIHA.
