hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL)

Etiology

• most cases in patients treated with TNF blockers, azathioprine, &/or mercaptopurine
• cases reported in patients receiving azathioprine or mercaptopurine alone

Epidemiology

• majority of cases in patients being treated for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• two cases in patients being treated for rheumatoid arthritis
• case in a patient being treated for psoriasis

Pathology

• aggressive (fast-growing) cancer
• usually fatal

Clinical manifestations

• splenomegaly
• hepatomegaly
• abdominal pain
• persistent fever
• night sweats
• weight loss

More general terms

• T-cell lymphoid neoplasm (T-cell leukemia, T-cell lymphoma)