Myelodysplastic syndrome and associated coagulopathy: a case report and review

Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2014 Mar;25(2):172-5. doi: 10.1097/MBC.0b013e32836419a7.

Abstract

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a primary bone marrow disorder whose hallmark is the development of peripheral cytopenias and a predilection toward the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients often have hypercellular bone marrows with dysplastic features that may involve multiple lineages. An increased awareness of MDS has led to the reporting of a number of associated autoimmune and paraneoplastic conditions in the medical literature. We present the case of an elderly man who was transferred to our institution with persistent, refractory bleeding several weeks after the resection of a sebaceous cyst. Despite reoperation, treatment with topical and intravenous hemostatic agents, and transfusion of blood products, the patient's bleeding persisted. A comprehensive evaluation for the cause of his coagulopathy was undertaken. Bone marrow evaluation was consistent with MDS. A paraneoplastic consumptive coagulopathy or fibrinolytic process in conjunction with MDS-related platelet dysfunction was felt to be the most likely etiology of the patient's bleeding.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / drug therapy*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / pathology