Polycythemia Vera Associated With Lymphomatous Diseases and Myeloma

Abstract

THE OCCURRENCE of malignancies of various types with polycythemia vera is well known.^1-4The hematologic abnormalities most frequently associated with this disorder are chronic myelogenous leukemia, myelofibrosis, and acute leukemia. Lymphomatous disorders such as chronic lymphatic leukemia or lymphoma have rarely been observed in these patients^3,5,6and multiple myeloma only infrequently noted.^7-17Since an interrelationship between disorders of marrow origin has been suggested,^18-20further observations on patients with associated disorders, particularly lymphoma or multiple myeloma and polycythemia vera, may be useful. We have had the opportunity to document these combinations in three patients. <h3>Report of Cases</h3><h3>Case 1.</h3> —K. C., an 83-year-old white woman, was admitted to the Presbyterian-University Hospital in May 1961 for evaluation of lymphocytosis. In 1955 during an admission to St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, she was found to have splenomegaly, but no lymphadenopathy or hepatomegaly. She had noted increasing weakness and modest pruritus