Vitiligo as a post-bone marrow transplantation complication.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hematology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a life-saving procedure for hematologic disorders.
• Post-transplant autoimmune phenomena are known complications, but vitiligo is exceptionally rare.
• Fanconi anemia is a rare genetic disorder requiring BMT.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old male developed generalized vitiligo four years after undergoing allogeneic BMT for Fanconi anemia.
• The patient's vitiligo appeared years after the transplantation, a delayed onset.
• This presentation is unusual given the typical timeline of post-BMT complications.

Findings:

• Vitiligo is characterized by T cells attacking melanocytes, leading to depigmentation.
• The case highlights vitiligo as a rare but possible autoimmune complication following BMT.
• A review of nine previously reported cases of post-BMT vitiligo was conducted.

Implications:

• Understanding the mechanisms of post-BMT vitiligo is crucial for patient management.
• This case contributes to the limited literature on vitiligo as a late-onset BMT complication.
• Further research may elucidate the specific immunological triggers in these rare cases.