Red cell hypoplasia and monoclonal gammopathy in a patient with lymphoproliferative disorder

A 69-year-old male was observed to have red cell hypoplasia. Two years later monoclonal gammopathy IgG-I, K, Gma+ and InV (1-) was documented in this patient. Persistent lymphocytosis, abnormal response to phytohemagglutinin, and at autopsy multiple lymphoid nodules occurring in the bone marrow, suggestive of lymphoproliferative disorder, were observed. A review of the literature indicates that this clinical presentation is rare. The possibility that red cell aplasia may be associated with lymphoproliferative disorder in some instances must be considered inasmuch as this may have an important bearing in the management of such patients.