Elevated TNF-α and LDH without parathormone disturbance is associated with diffuse osteolytic lesions in leukemic transformation of myelofibrosis

Abstract

Myelofibrosis is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder characterized by splenomegaly, abnormal deposition of collagen in the bone marrow, extramedullary hematopoiesis, dacriocytosis, and leukoerythroblastic blood smear. Development and maintenance of fibrosis are mediated by a complex network of several cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Osteosclerosis is the most frequently observed bone change in myelofibrosis. Based on this, we present an atypical case of leukemic transformation in myelofibrosis associated with diffuse osteolytic lesions and extremely elevated TNF-α and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Parathormone was not disturbed. © 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.