Non-infectious pulmonary complications of myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myeloproliferative disorders

Non-infectious pulmonary complications of myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myeloproliferative disorders are not rare but remain little known to respiratory physicians who may be confronted with various clinical pictures corresponding to different pathophysiological causes.

The few data in the literature only relate to isolated cases or small series. The non-infectious pulmonary complications of myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myeloproliferative disorders can be classified into several clinical entities: tumour syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis or diffuse infiltrating pneumonia, autoimmune reactions including vasculitis, Sweet syndrome, organizing pneumonia, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, pleural effusion and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The diagnosis is provided by the histology and management of these complications depends on the underlying pathology.

Myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders are entities which are becoming better characterized and understood. Better knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in these complications should improve their diagnosis and their management, which still remains complex.