A Case Report of Gelatinous Transformation of Bone Marrow Following Lymphoma and a Novel, Potential Treatment

Abstract

Abstract Background Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow (GTBM) is a rare hematologic condition in which hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow are replaced by extracellular gelatinous substances, often resulting in cytopenias. The true incidence of this condition is presently unknown, as the current body of literature primarily consists of case reports. However, an analysis of a large bone marrow registry suggests that this is a highly rare entity even amongst a population requiring bone marrow biopsy. Case Presentation: We hereby present a case of a 24-year-old man with a history of diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and an associated 45-kilogram weight loss who was found to have GTBM. The extent of his cytopenias resulted in a prolonged hospitalization with numerous complications, eventually leading to experimental treatment with allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of GTBM in which ASCT was employed as a potential treatment modality. While our patient did have clinical improvement following ASCT, the permanence of these results is presently unclear. Furthermore, it is uncertain if the ASCT was truly causative of the stabilization of the patient. Given this, we are currently unable to advocate for ASCT as a treatment for GTBM. We suggest that clinicians consider GTBM as a diagnostic possibility in patients with refractory cytopenias.