Fatal outcome in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer and acquired severe hypogammaglobulinemia with complete absence of mature peripheral blood B-cells

In Vivo. 2003 Sep-Oct;17(5):505-7.

Abstract

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the second most common immunodeficiency and may be classified according to the presence or absence of mature B-cells, the latter subgroup being exceedingly rare. We describe a 66-year-old patient who over six months developed profound hypogammaglobulinemia associated with a complete absence of circulating B-lymphocytes and had a fatal outcome. Immunophenotypic analysis of a bone marrow aspirate demonstrated a strongly reduced number of B-cell precursors (CD34+/CD19+) but normal numbers of CD34+/CD45+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. This case is remarkable with respect to its documented rapid evolution. Possible triggers are discussed, a combination of drug toxicities being the most likely.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications
  • Adenocarcinoma / immunology
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Agammaglobulinemia / etiology
  • Agammaglobulinemia / immunology
  • Agammaglobulinemia / pathology*
  • Agammaglobulinemia / therapy
  • Aged
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / complications
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / complications
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous