Li, Chin‐Yang

Three children with plasma cell granuloma of the lung had a syndrome characterized by digital clubbing, roentgenographic evidence of an intrapulmonary lesion with a diverse configuration, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, elevated serum immunoglobulin levels, and thrombocytosis.

Abstract BACKGROUND. Several studies have recently reported on the occurrence of a JAK2 V617F mutation in myeloid cells from the majority of patients with polycythemia vera (PV). The clinical relevance of this novel observation is currently under study. Similarly, there is limited information regarding the correlation of JAK2 V617F mutational status and neutrophil PRV-1 transcript level in PV, secondary polycythemia (SP) and other myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). METHODS. In a single institutional study, mutation screening for JAK2 V617F was performed in DNA derived from archived blood granulocytes from 63 consecutive patients with PV in whom current diagnostic criteria were strictly applied and diagnosis confirmed by bone marrow histology. Concomitant quantitative analysis of neutrophil PRV-1 expression was performed in 28 of the 63 patients and the results of both JAK2 V617F and PRV-1 analysis in these 28 patients were compared with those from another 22 patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), 10 with myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM), 19 with SP, and 11 healthy volunteers. RESULTS. The 63 patients with PV were followed for a median of 33 months (range 3–324) from the time of initial diagnosis. During this period, 3 patients have died including 2 from acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Disease transformation into either AML or MMM has occurred in 2 and 4 patients, respectively. The median time from diagnosis to the time of mutation analysis was 12 months (range 0–306). JAK2 V617F was detected in 58 of the 63 patients with PV (92%; homozygous in 21%). The clinical phenotype of the 5 patients with wild-type allele was otherwise typical for the disease. A statistical comparison between JAK2 V617F heterozygotes (n=45) and homozygotes (n=13) in PV did not reveal significant associations in regards to age, gender, leukocyte or platelet count at diagnosis, disease duration, or the incidences of thrombosis or bleeding. However, JAK2 V617F homozygotes, compared to their heterozygote counterparts, displayed significantly higher hemoglobin level at diagnosis (p=0.001), increased incidence of pruritus (69% vs. 38%; p=0.04), and a higher rate of fibrotic transformation (23% vs. 2%; p=0.009). The overall (homozygous) JAK2 V617F mutational frequencies in the other study patients with ET, MMM, SP, and healthy controls were 55% (0%), 30% (0%), 0%, and 0%, respectively. The corresponding figures for increased PRV-1 expression in these patients were 18%, 20%, 21%, and 9% as compared to 89% in PV. In patients with either ET or MMM, the likelihood of detecting JAK2 V617F was significantly higher in the presence of an increased PRV-1 expression (83% vs. 38%; p=0.05). Similarly, in patients with PV, homozygous as compared to heterozygous JAK2 V617F correlated with higher levels of PRV-1 expression (p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS. The current clinical study demonstrates a mutant allele dose effect on erythrocytosis, PV-characteristic clinical features, and granulocyte PRV-1 expression in PV. Furthermore, compared to the PRV-1 assay, mutation screening for JAK2 V617F displayed greater specificity in distinguishing PV from SP.

Abstract Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is potentially curative in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM) but is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity that necessitates accurate identification of patients in whom benefit outweighs risk. The current single institutional study investigates prognostic variables in transplant-eligible patients with AMM with the main objective of improved discrimination between intermediate- and high-risk patient categories. Methods: Patients diagnosed with AMM before the age of 60 years and seen at Mayo Clinic were identified and the diagnosis confirmed. Relevant demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were abstracted and the impact of various parameters on overall survival was evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A cohort of 159 patients (median age 52 years, range 18–60; 89 males) with AMM is described. Median follow-up from initial diagnosis was 63 months (range 0–300). During this period, 102 patients have died; overall median survival 79 months. Multivariate analysis of parameters measured in all study patients at diagnosis identified thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 x 109/L) as the strongest predictor of inferior survival (p=0.002). In addition, a hemoglobin level of <10 g/dL (p=0.003), white blood cell count of either <4 or >30 x 109/L (p=0.03), and older age (p=0.02) were also found to be independent indicators of poor prognosis. However, when the analysis included parameters that were measured in variable proportion of the study population, the independent prognostic factors for poor survival were thrombocytopenia (p=0.0001), anemia (p=0.01), and the presence of unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities (0.001). Based on the above findings, we constructed a new complete blood count (CBC)-based prognostic scoring system (Figure 1) that performed better than the Dupriez scoring system in discriminating intermediate- from high-risk patient categories(Figure 2). Figure Figure Conclusions: Thrombocytopenia is a strong predictor of poor survival in transplant-eligible patients with AMM. The incorporation of platelet count into the Dupriez prognostic scoring system might allow the construction of an improved, CBC-based scoring system that can accurately identify high-risk as well as intermediate-risk patients with AMM.

Abstract Post-polycythemic (PPMM) and post-thrombocythemic (PTMM) myeloid metaplasia are consensually referred to as secondary myelofibrosis (sMF). Prognostic variables in sMF are not as well defined as they are for agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM). Such information is particularly crucial for management decisions in transplant-eligible patients. Accordingly, we examined the prognostic impact of several clinical and laboratory variables in 66 young patients (age < 60 years) with sMF including 37 with PPMM and 29 with PTMM. Multivariate analysis of parameters other than cytogenetics identified older age (p=0.02), anemia (hemoglobin level < 10 g/dL; p=0.007), and PPMM (p=0.009) as independent risk factors for shortened survival. However, when such analysis was restricted to patients in whom cytogenetic studies were performed (n=31), the presence of unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities (i.e. clones other than 20q- and 13q-) became the one and only adverse prognostic factor for survival (p=0.001). Figure Figure The prognostic value of cytogenetics was independent of the Dupriez prognostic score (p=0.003). Figure Figure A similar analysis in a temporal cohort of 50 age-matched patients with AMM also identified unfavorable cytogenetics as an independent predictor of poor survival along with thrombocytopenia and anemia. The current study suggests an important prognostic role for cytogenetics in both de novo and secondary myelofibrosis.

Abstract Background: One of the utilities of molecular markers in hematological malignancies is their potential to predict response to drug therapy. Accordingly, we inquired about the effect of both cytogenetic profile and JAK2V617F mutational status on drug therapy response in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM). Methods: Mutation analysis for JAK2V617 was performed in DNA derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, granulocytes, or both. Genomic DNA was amplified by PCR and fluorescent dye chemistry sequencing was performed using the same primers used for amplification (Levin et al. Cancer Cell2005;7:387). Abnormal cytogenetic findings were considered to be either favorable (sole 13q- or 20q- abnormalities) or unfavorable (other abnormalities) (Tefferi et al. BJH2001;113:763). Results: i. Patients and treatment: A total of 69 patients with MMM (median age 62 years, range 38–75; 47 males) received the following drugs as first-line therapy for either anemia or symptomatic splenomegaly; erythropoietin (Epo) alone or in combination with hydroxyurea (n=25), hydroxyurea alone (HU; n=17), interferon alpha (IFN; n=11), combination of thalidomide and prednisone (ThalPred; n=7), androgen preparations (Andro; n=5), and etanercept (n=4). ii. Results of cytogenetic studies and JAK2 mutation screening: Cytogenetic findings were abnormal in 35 patients (51%); favorable in 9 and unfavorable in 26. JAK2V617 mutation analysis revealed wild-type allele in 31 patients (45%) and either heterozygous (n=31) or homozygous (n=7) mutation in the remaining 38 patients (55%). iii. Correlation of response to cytogenetic/molecular markers: Overall, 17 patients (25%) achieved either a major (n=8) or minor (n=9) response in anemia from treatment with one of the aforementioned drugs. Regardless of either JAK2V617 mutational status or cytogenetic profile, treatment-induced responses in anemia were poor for IFN (0%) and HU (12%). In contrast, the best anemia responses were documented for ThalPred (57%), Andro (40%), and Epo-based therapy (32%). Among the 25 patients that received Epo-based therapy, all 3 patients with favorable cytogenetic abnormalities achieved major responses in anemia whereas such responses were seen in none of the 9 patients with unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities and only 1 of 13 patients with normal cytogenetics (p=0.004). Furthermore, 3 of the 4 major responders were heterozygous for JAK2V617 and one carried the wild-type allele. In contrast, none of the 3 JAK2V617 homozygotes showed any type of response but all 3 also displayed unfavorable cytogenetics. None of the 7 ThalPred-treated patients carried favorable cytogenetics and yet 3 achieved major responses including one with unfavorable cytogenetics. JAK2V617 mutational status was heterozygous in 1 and wild-type in the other two. There were no major responses among the 5 Andro-treated patients despite the presence of favorable cytogenetic abnormalities in 2 patients. In order to investigate the relationship between cytogenetic profile and JAK2V617 mutational status further, we referred to an expanded database of 116 patients and found the incidence of unfavorable cytogenetics to be higher in JAK2V617 homozygotes compared to non-homozygotes (57% vs. 31%; p=0.16) Conclusion: The current study suggests clustering of favorable cytogenetic abnormalities in MMM with anemia response to Epo therapy and unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities with homozygosity for JAK2V617 mutation.

Abstract Background: The FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion, an imatinib-sensitive molecular target, is detected in a subset of cases with moderate-to-severe eosinophilia (eosinophil count ≥1500/μL). Using 2 FISH strategies to detect loss of the CHIC2 locus as a surrogate marker of the FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion, we previously found 14% of cases to be CHIC2-deleted when studying bone marrow smears from 81 adult patients with moderate-to-severe, non-reactive eosinophilia at our institution (Blood 2004, 104:3038–3045). Since then, the FISH test has been made available for routine clinical use both within our institution, and to external physicians as a mail-in test, for the workup of patients with eosinophilic disorders, including systemic mast cell disease (SMCD). Study design: FISH data, subsequent to the test’s introduction into routine clinical practice (from Nov. 2003), were retrospectively analyzed for CHIC2-deletion. Data from the initial pilot study of 81 patients was not used in this analysis (Table). The imatinib treatment analysis, however, included all CHIC2-deleted patients treated at our institution, including those from the pilot study (Table). Results: A total of 741 patients were studied in the post-pilot phase. Of these, 20 cases were found to be CHIC2-deleted, with an overall prevalence of 2.7% (Table). Of the 219 patients seen at our institution, 13 (all male) were found to be CHIC2-deleted (Table) (prevalence=5.9%), and of these, 10 have been treated with imatinib (100 mg/day starting dose) to date. Nine patients are evaluable for response - all achieved a complete clinical and histological remission (7 patients were tested by FISH post-treatment - all achieved cytogenetic remission). One patient received concomitant corticosteroids for co-morbidities and could not be evaluated for response. After a median follow-up of 24 months (range 17 to 39 months), all 9 patients continue to be in remission, with a normal eosinophil count. At last follow-up, one patient had discontinued imatinib and the others were on maintenance therapy at the following dose: 100mg/wk (n=1), 100mg BIW (n=1), 100mg TIW (n=2), 50mg QOD (n=1), and 100 mg/day (n=3). Conclusions: FIP1L1-PDGFRA prevalence in non-selected patients with eosinophilia is lower than anticipated from prior studies. Patients with FIP1L1-PDGFRA exhibit durable responses to imatinib therapy. It may be feasible to maintain some patients in remission on an empirically derived, intermittent schedule of low-dose imatinib. Pilot Data Post-pilot Data (n=741) Total Mayo samples Mayo samples Mail-in samples Number of Patients 81 138 603 822 Number CHIC2-deleted 11 2 18 31 Prevalence 14% 1.4% 3.0% 3.8% Number Imatinib treated 8 2 n/a 10

Abstract Background: The occurrence of an activating JAK2 mutation (JAK2 V617F) has been reported in a variable proportion of patients with bcr/abl-negative myeloproliferative disorders including myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM). In the current study, we report mutational frequencies in each of the 3 MMM variants as well as examine the prognostic relevance of the mutation in a large group of patients from a single institution. Methods: Mutation analysis for JAK2 V617F was performed in DNA derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from all study patients (n=157). Concomitant analysis was also performed in DNA derived from purified granulocytes (n=57), CD34-positive cells (n=25), and T cells (n=19). Genomic DNA was amplified by PCR and fluorescent dye chemistry sequencing was performed using the same primers used for amplification. Results: The study cohort included 157 consecutive patients with MMM including 117 with agnogenic (AMM), 22 with post polycythemic (PPMM), and 18 with post thrombocythemic (PTMM) myeloid metaplasia. The overall detection rate for JAK2 V617F in PBMC was 51% (homozygous in 5.7%) and was significantly (p=0.0002) higher in PPMM (91%; homozygous in 18%) compared to either AMM (45.3%; homozygous in 2.6%) or PTMM (38.9%; homozygous in 11.1%). In AMM (n=117), the presence of JAK2 V617F was significantly associated with an older age at diagnosis (p=0.03), and a history of both thrombosis (p=0.01) and pruritus (p=0.005). No other statistical associations were evident and the presence of the mutation did not predict leukemic transformation. Furthermore, multivariate analysis for overall survival of patients with AMM identified only age and the Dupriez prognostic score as independent prognostic factors; JAK2 V617F had no prognostic significance. Finally, the mutation was not found in T cells and its detection rate in either granulocytes or CD34-positive cells was similar to that in PBMC. Conclusion: JAK2 V617F is a myeloid lineage-specific event, its incidence in MMM is significantly higher with an antecedent history of polycythemia vera, and its presence in AMM does not affect prognosis but is associated with PV-characteristic clinical features.

Abstract Background: Copper deficiency is an established cause of hematological abnormalities, traditionally described in malnourished infants and persons with malabsorption or short bowel syndromes, particularly those requiring long-term parenteral nutrition. With the recent increase in bariatric (weight reduction) surgery, acquired copper deficiency may be increasing in incidence but the diagnosis is frequently delayed. Methods: To outline the natural history of copper deficiency we searched the Mayo Clinic database and our heavy metals laboratory for patients diagnosed with low serum copper during the years 1974–2005. Copper deficiency was defined as a serum level < 0.75 μg/ml. Results: We identified 123 patients with a low serum copper. 77 patients were excluded as the the hypocupremia was either transient or due to other factors such as Wilson’s disease. The remaining 46 patients were all symptomatic. 25 patients had hematological abnormalities, 20 of these patients also had neurological involvement. 5 had isolated hematological manifestations and 21 patients had isolated neurological findings, most commonly myeloneuropathy. 13 presented with anemia and leukopenia, 5 with pancytopenia, 6 with anemia and 1 with isolated neutropenia. In 10 of the 25 cases, a secondary contributing cause for the hematological findings was identified. These included possible anemia of chronic disease (4), renal insufficiency (2), iron deficiency (1), B12 deficiency (1), GI hemorrhage (1), and splenomegaly (1) while copper deficiency was the only identifiable cause in the remaining 15 patients. Hematological parameters at diagnosis are outlined in the table. 15 of the 25 patients with hematological manifestations had a history of GI surgery, including 6 patients who had bariatric surgery. The median time from surgery to diagnosis was 11.5 years (range 8 months - 45 years) and was shorter for bariatric surgery (10 years, range: 8 months - 25 years) than for non-bariatric surgery (18 years, range: 2–45 years). 1 patient had a history of excessive zinc ingestion, 1 had malabsorption secondary to chronic pancreatitis and 1 patient had celiac disease. In 7 cases, no explanation was found. 24 of 25 patients received treatment with oral or intravenous copper, 5 were lost to follow up. In 16 patients the hematologic parameters either improved significantly or normalized, while in the remaining 3 patients there was no improvement. Factors that may explain the lack of response in these patients included splenomegaly (1), renal insufficiency (1) and multiorgan illness (1). Conclusion: Copper deficiency is an increasingly frequent cause of hematological abnormalities, and can manifest with refractory cytopenias with or without associated neurological symptoms. Thrombocytopenia is relatively rare. Previous GI surgery, especially bariatric surgery, appears to be a major causative factor. Most patients will have an improvement in hematological parameters after copper supplementation. Recognition of copper deficiency is therefore assuming greater importance in view of the increasing frequency of bariatric surgery, ease of treatment and potential for irreversible neurological damage if diagnosis is delayed. Hematologic parameters at diagnosis HgB (g/dL) MCV (fL) WBC (x109/L) ANC(x109/L) Plts(x109/L) Median 10.6 99 3.0 1.25 215 Range 7.9-13.6 83.9-114.1 1-5.6 0.18-4.0 54-554

Abstract Background: Copper deficiency is increasingly being diagnosed in adults with malabsorption syndromes, especially following GI surgery such as gastric and bowel resections and bariatric surgery. The most common hematologic manifestations are refractory anemia and neutropenia and patients have been misdiagnosed as having myelodysplasia. Certain findings on bone marrow examination are felt to be characteristic for copper deficiency such as maturation arrest in the myeloid lineage, vacuolization of the erythroid and myeloid precursors and ringed sideroblasts. Methods: We reviewed all cases of copper deficiency diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic from 1974 – 2005. We also reviewed all cases of low serum copper (< 0.75 μg/ml) identified in our heavy metals laboratory. Results: 123 patients with hypocupremia were identified. 77 patients were excluded as the hypocupremia was either transient or due to other factors such as Wilson’s disease. Twenty-five patients had hematologic manifestations, including anemia and leukopenia (13), isolated anemia (6), pancytopenia (5), and isolated neutropenia (1). Eighteen patients had a bone marrow biopsy. We were able to retrieve and review bone marrow slides in 11 cases. The bone marrow examination findings are shown in the table. The marrow cellularity was decreased in four cases. All cases had granulocytic hypoplasia but preserved megakaryopoiesis. Nine cases had relative erythroid hyperplasia. All but one bone marrow had cytoplasmic vacuoles in pronormoblasts and myelocytes. Increased iron within macrophages was seen in 9 cases and increased iron in plasma cells was noted in 8 cases. This was especially prominent in the cases with low peripheral white blood count. Ringed sideroblasts were seen in 4 cases and were more commonly seen in anemic patients. The initial bone marrow examination commonly suggested toxic effect (drugs or alcohol), myelodysplasia or were non-diagnostic. Conclusion: We have described the bone marrow findings in 11 copper deficient patients with abnormal blood counts. None of these patients was suspected of copper deficiency based on the initial marrow examination. The initial impression was commonly toxic effect due to the presence of cytoplasmic vacuolization. Patients with ringed sideroblasts were suspected of having MDS. Copper deficiency should be considered in patients with cytopenias and the described bone marrow findings, especially if there is evidence of malabsorption or a history of GI surgery such as gastric resection or bariatric surgery. Bone marrow findings Patient Cellularity Ery/gran/meg Vacuoles Iron (mø/PC) RS Hgb/Plt WBC/ANC nl: normal, 0: absent, Ery/gran/meg: erythro-/granulo-/megakaryopoiesis, Iron (mø/PC): Iron in macrophages and plasma cells, RS: Ringed sideroblasts 1 ↓ ↑/↓/nl Yes ↑/↑ No 11.3/203 3.2/1.1 2 Nl ↑/↓/nl Yes 0/0 No 11.4/192 5.6/4.0 3 Nl ↑/↓/nl No ↑/0 No 10.6/95 3.0/2.2 4 ↓ ↑/↓/nl Yes ↑/↑ No 13.6/128 4.2/0.92 5 Nl ↑/↓/nl Yes ↑/↑ 10% 9.8/215 1.4/0.6 6 ↓ ↑/↓/nl Yes ↑/↑ No 7.9/292 1.8/0.18 7 Nl ↑/↓/nl Yes ↑/↑ No 10.6/280 2.7/1.4 8 Nl nl/↓/nl Yes ↑/↑ 20% 8.1/330 1.5/0.24 9 Nl ↑/↓/nl Yes ↑/↑ <1% 9.4/252 1.3/0.25 10 ↓ Nl/↓/nl Yes 0/0 No 10.5/167 2.4/1.67 11 Nl ↑/↓/nl Yes ↑/↑ yes 12.5/224 4.2/3.9

Abstract Background: Microcytosis is a characteristic laboratory feature for both iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. Microcytosis is also infrequently seen with “anemia of chronic disease”. A partial list of the latter include rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, diabetes mellitus, connective tissue disease, chronic infection, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Castleman’s disease, and renal cell carcinoma. In the current study, we show that microcytosis is a frequent laboratory feature in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) and investigate its clinical relevance in the particular setting. Methods: In order to minimize the confounding effects of nutritional deficiencies, red blood cell transfusion, and drug therapy on mean corpuscular volume (MCV), the current study was limited to young patients (age < 60 years) that had not received either red blood cell transfusion or drug therapy for MMM during the time of their initial laboratory investigation. Results: The study population consisted of 102 consecutive patients with MMM (median age 51 years, range 18–60) including 60 males. At diagnosis, the median (range) values for hemoglobin, leukocyte count, and platelet count were 11 gm/dL (7.4–14.9), 8.3 x 109/L (1–40) and 357 x 109/L (14–1512), respectively. Spleen measurements were documented in 78 patients (median 6 cm below the left costal margin, range 0–24) and the incidence of hypercatabolic symptoms was 18% (12 of 67 evaluable patients). The Dupriez prognostic score distribution included low-risk (n=73), intermediate-risk (n=19), and high-risk (n=10) disease categories. The overall incidence of microcytosis (MCV < 80 fL) was 28%; median MCV was 84.3 fL (range, 60.6–99.1). Among the 28 patients with microcytosis, MCV was less than 70 fL in 4 patients. Concomitant serum ferritin levels were available in 44 patients (median, 92 μg/L; range, 4–6440) and the levels were below 30 μg/L in 7 patients including 4 with microcytosis. Bone marrow iron stains were sporadically performed and showed normal iron stores in the majority of evaluable cases. The study cohort was followed for a median of 70 months (range 0–300). Multivariate analysis of variable that were measured in all study patients identified anemia, thrombocytopenia, and age but not MCV as independent prognostic indicators of inferior survival. The addition of variables that were measured in a variable proportion of the study population disclosed additional prognostic value for hypercatabolic symptoms and abnormal cytogenetics. Interestingly, microcytosis was significantly associated with the absence of cytogenetic abnormalities (p=0.04); among the 10 patients with abnormal cytogenetic findings, 9 had an MCV of ≥ 80 fL. Microcytosis did not correlate with several other clinical and laboratory features including gender, presence of hypercatabolic symptoms, spleen size, hemoglobin level, platelet count, leukocyte count, serum lactate dehydrogenase level, and the Dupriez prognostic score. Conclusion: Microcytosis with a normal or elevated serum ferritin level is a frequent laboratory feature in MMM but does not appear to influence survival. The observation regarding the low incidence of cytogenetic abnormalities in MMM patients with microcytosis is intriguing but requires validation by a prospective study. Whether or not MMM-associated microcytosis represents an acquired defect of globin synthesis, as might be the case in some patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, remains to be elucidated.