Severe autoimmune neutropenia associated with acute autoimmune hepatitis

Abstract

A 49-year-old previously healthy female presented with acute hepatitis and severe neutropenia. A diagnosis of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis was made based on the histological appearance of a liver core biopsy, positive anti-smooth muscle antibodies, and positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (atypical ANCA). Hemogram revealed mild leukopenia with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count 256/mm(3)), normal hemoglobin and mild thrombocytopenia (115000/mm(3)). A bone marrow biopsy and aspirate had a normal karyotype, increase in granulopoiesis, prominence of promyelocytes (31%) and absence of mature granulocytes. Anti-neutrophil antibodies were detected in the patient's blood. Therapy was directed at the underlying hepatitis with resolution of neutropenia without the use of colony-stimulating factors.