[Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in malignant lymphomas]

The incidence, evolution and prognostic importance of hemolytic anemia in malignant lymphomas are not yet well studied and clarified. The study includes a four-year period, 1985-1988, during which in 5 patients with malignant lymphoma an autoimmune hemolytic anemia was found. In two of the patients the hemolytic anemia preceded the lymphoproliferative disease. An attempt is made to assess the importance of the hemolytic process in the evolution of malignant lymphoma. The need of a detailed examination and a long term follow up of the patients with autoimmune anemia in view of improving the early diagnosis of malignant lymphoproliferative diseases is pointed out.