Refractory Anemia with Ring Sideroblasts Associated with Marked Thrombocytosis Complicated by Massive Splenomegaly Treated with Lenalidomide Resulting in Resolution of Splenomegaly but Severe and Prolonged Pancytopenia

Abstract

Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts associated with marked thrombocytosis (RARS-T) is a hematological malignancy that combines features of both a myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic disorder. There have been recent reports of the successful treatment of anemia in 2 patients with RARS-T with lenalidomide. Here we report the successful treatment of massive splenomegaly in a patient with a long history of RARS-T resulting in complete resolution of splenomegaly, but with prolonged severe cytopenias. We also report the acquisition of the t(3;12)(q26;p13) translocation previously described in cases of myelodysplasia and the potential for transformation to myelofibrosis.