A case of mycosis fungoides with apparent hypersplenic syndrome

Summary

A case of mycosis fungoides with constitutional symptoms and haematological changes is presented. An electrophoretic abnormality consisting of a distinct gamma-globulin peak was observed in the plasma proteins. The presence of septic skin lesions, neutropenia and splenomegaly suggested a diagnosis of hypersplenic syndrome. No clinical or haematological improvement occurred after splenectomy.

The diagnosis of mycosis fungoides was made on histological examination of a biopsied skin lesion. During the course of the disease the bone marrow showed a progressive increase in the number of monocytic cells and lymphocytes. The histological changes in the body organs seen at biopsy and autopsy could best be regarded as evidence of a “reactive reticulosis” rather than a multicentric neoplasia of reticulum cells.