Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow with pancytopenia in an emaciated patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

We report on gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow in a 42-year-old male patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow in SLE is rare. This condition is composed of hypocellularity with deposition of hyaluronic acid in the bone marrow and is known to be associated with malnutrition due to cachexia and anorexia nervosa. In this patient we consider that malnutrition caused gelatinous transformation which worsened pancytopenia due to SLE. Pancytopenia improved after methylprednisolone pulse therapy and nutrition therapy.