Autoimmune hemolytic anemia revealing classical Hodgkin lymphoma: Two case reports and literature review

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is rarely associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. We report here two cases of such association Case 1 57 years old man who presented with tiredness and pallor. Physical examination revealed multiple left cervical lymph nodes. Blood count showed regenerative macrocytic anemia with signs of hemolysis. Auto immune hemolytic anemia was confirmed by a positive direct antiglobulin test for IgG and C3d; lymph node biopsy revealed lymphocytic rich HL. Case 2 a 50 year old man being treated for HL for few months presented to the emergency room for dyspnea and pallor. Blood count showed regenerative macrocytic anemia with positive direct antiglobulin test for IgG and C3d confirming the diagnosis of AIHA as a relapse of the lymphoma. These two cases show that clinicians should be aware of such association revealing the diagnosis or the relapse of the lymphoma to distinguish it from anemia of chronic disease.