Clinical spectrum, evolution, and management of autoimmune cytopenias associated with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma

Objective Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is frequently associated with autoimmune cytopenia (AIC). Whether such patients have a particular phenotype and require particular management is unclear. Method Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma patients from the multicentric database of the Lymphoma Study Association presenting with AIC during disease course were included and matched to AITL patients without AIC (1/5 ratio). Results At diagnosis, AIC patients (n = 28) had more spleen and bone marrow involvement (54% vs 19% and 71% vs 34%, P < 0.001), Epstein-Barr virus replication (89% vs 39%, P < 0.001), gamma globulin titers (median 23 vs 15 g/L, P = 0.002), and proliferating B cells and plasmablasts in biopsies, as compared to control patients (n = 136). The 28 AIC patients had 41 episodes of AIC, diagnosed concomitantly with AITL in 23 (82%) cases. After a median follow-up of 24 months (range 3-155), 10 patients relapsed, all associated with AITL relapse. Conclusion Our results provide new insight into AIC associated with AITL by highlighting the significant interplay between AITL and B-cell activation leading to subsequent autoimmunity.