Paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria caused by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Br J Haematol. 1999 Apr;105(1):278-9.

Abstract

Paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria is an autoimmune haemolytic anaemia characterized by a biphasic polyclonal IgG autoantibody, the Donath-Landsteiner (D-L) antibody. Although classically described in association with chronic syphilis, it is most commonly seen after acute viral infections in children. We describe a case of high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which presented with paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria. The lymphoma responded promptly to combination chemotherapy whilst, at the same time, the haemolytic process rapidly resolved. Subsequent investigations showed that the D-L antibody originated from the lymphoma cells.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Autoantibodies / analysis
  • Cold Temperature*
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / complications*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / drug therapy
  • Male

Substances

  • Autoantibodies