Immunological abnormalities in splenic marginal zone cell lymphoma.

The clinical features of patients with splenic marginal zone cell lymphoma (SMZCL) have rarely been reported. In the present study, immunological abnormalities, particularly hematological abnormalities, observed in SMZCL were described. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and appearance of lupus anticoagulant were observed in 2 of 3 patients with SMZCL. Other abnormal data including monoclonal gammopathy and cold agglutinin were also observed in 2 of the 3 patients. Immunological abnormalities may be characteristic complications in patients with SMZCL and must be followed carefully, since they may be a reliable marker of this type of lymphoma activity.