Variability of the erythropoietic response in autoimmune hemolytic anemia: analysis of 109 cases

One hundred-nine cases of autoimmune hemolysis were reviewed to determine the frequency of reticulocytopenia, the state of the erythroid marrow in reticulocytopenic cases, and the course of reticulocyte production indices with time and glucocorticoid treatment. The mean hematocrit at presentation was 24 mL/dL, but 30% of cases had an initial hematocrit less than 20 mL/dL. Median reticulocyte percentage at diagnosis was 9%, and median reticulocyte production index was 2.8 times basal. Twenty percent of cases had an initial reticulocyte count less than 4%, and 37% had an initial reticulocyte production index less than 2.0 times basal. These reticulocytopenic patients were nearly evenly distributed between warm and cold antibody- mediated cases and between primary and secondary cases. Fifty-four percent of reticulocytopenic cases had a bone marrow examination during hospitalization. Three-fourths of these marrows showed erythroid hyperplasia, and erythroid hypoplasia was seen in only one case. Eighty- eight cases had serial reticulocyte measurements, and in only 15% of patients did the reticulocyte production index remain less than 2.0 times basal. Thus, in most cases, the initially low reticulocyte production index may represent a lag in marrow responsiveness to hemolytic stress. In cases with persistent reticulocytopenia, ineffective erythropoiesis is suggested by the frequency of marrow erythroid hyperplasia. In the cases that were initially reticulocytopenic and demonstrated an increase in reticulocyte production index, the magnitude of this increase was significantly greater in glucocorticoid-treated patients than in those not so treated, indicating that a glucocorticoid sensitive component exists in the marrow erythropoietic response to hemolysis. Awareness of the frequency of an initial reticulocytopenia in cases of autoimmune hemolysis may be important in initial diagnosis and treatment.     

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Seventeen proved cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICAC) were reviewed to establish a radiologic-pathologic correlation. The most common appearance of ICAC at computed tomography (CT) is that of a single, homogeneous low-attenuation mass. Multiple low-attenuation lesions were present in four cases. Calcification was depicted by CT in three cases. At angiography, ICAC has a variable appearance with avascular, hypovascular, and hypervascular patterns possible. Portal obstruction was seen in only one case. The most common appearance of ICAC at sonography is that of a homogeneously hyperechoic mass, either single or multiple. In only one case was ICAC hypoechoic. Plain abdominal radiography demonstrated calcification in three patients and evidence of Thorotrast (thorium dioxide) deposition in one. Upper gastrointestinal series demonstrated abnormal gastric folds in two cases, corresponding to gastric invasion by ICAC. There were no characteristic radiographic findings, but the following features may be helpful in differentiating ICAC from other primary intrahepatic tumors, particularly typical hepatocellular carcinoma: a homogeneously echogenic or high-attenuation appearance on images that reflects the uniform nature observed at pathologic examination, the presence of calcification, and the uncommon invasion of portal or hepatic veins. Conversely, the presence of satellite lesions may blur the the distinction between ICAC and metastatic liver disease.     

Adrenal masses: characterization with T1-weighted MR imaging

The ability of a T1-weighted spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) sequence to allow differentiation of benign from malignant adrenal masses at 0.5 T was investigated in 28 patients with 35 adrenal masses. All nine lesions with an adrenal mass-liver signal intensity ratio of 0.71 or less were metastases, and all 15 with a ratio of 0.78 or more were adenomas. Eleven masses (31%)--including six adenomas, three metastases, a pheochromocytoma, and a neuroblastoma--had ratios between these values. Nine of ten masses with adrenal mass-fat intensity ratios of 0.35 or less were metastases, and all 12 with ratios of 0.42 or more were benign. Eleven masses (31%), four malignant and one benign, had ratios between these values. The ratios for two masses could not be calculated due to lack of fat. The specificity of T1-weighted MR imaging in differentiating benign from malignant adrenal masses appears similar to that reported for T2-weighted imaging. However, significant overlap occurred, as has also been reported for T2-weighted imaging. While both imaging sequences may help distinguish benign from malignant adrenal masses in some cases, biopsy is still necessary when an accurate histologic diagnosis is essential.     

Metrizamide myelography: blood and cerebrospinal fluid response

Cerebrospinal fluid and blood were examined for immunologic factors before and after metrizamide myelography in 13 patients who underwent lumbar myelography and seven patients who underwent thoracic myelography. Clinical symptoms were also recorded. The results were consistent with a toxic reaction to the contrast medium, rather than an immunologic one.