Massive splenomegaly, pancytopenia and haemolytic anaemia in sarcoidosis

A 53-year-old dock labourer, presented with massive splenomegaly and subsequently developed pancytopenia. Complete haematoglogical remission was observed following splenectomy. Histological examination of the liver and spleen revealed sarcoid granulomata. A year after splenectomy, he died in an acute haemolytic crisis, a very rare complication of sarcoidosis. Evidence of generalized sarcoidosis was found at autopsy. The literature on haematological complications in sarcoidosis is reviewed.