Subcutaneous Extramedullar Hematopoiesis in a Patient with Secondary Myelofibrosis Following Polycythemia Vera

Abstract

We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman with secondary myelofibrosis who developed subcutaneous extramedullar hematopoiesis. Although extramedullary hematopoiesis has been generally observed in primary myelofibrosis, in this case it was seen in myelofibrosis secondary to polycythemia vera. Histological examination of the subcutaneous nodule revealed that the lesion included cells from the myeloid and megakaryocytc series. The skin lesion almost disappeared after treatment with hydroxyurea. We report here this rare manifestation in secondary myelofibrosis including a review of literature.

Key Words:

• subcutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis
• secondary myelofibrosis
• polycythemia vera
• hydroxyurea