Peritonitis in myelofibrosis: a cautionary tale

Abstract

Background: Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by bone marrow fibrosis. Extra-medullary hematopoiesis sometimes occurs even in the peritoneal cavity, apart from organs such as the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. This may sometimes be complicated by spontaneous infection and complications. We report a rather unusual case of PMF, who presented as an emergency with spontaneous peritonitis to general surgery department and had a fulminant clinical course.

Method: A clinical case note review was done and a literature search was undertaken.

Results: A rather unusual case of PMF, who presented as an emergency with spontaneous peritonitis to general surgery department. The patient underwent a laparotomy and had a fulminant clinical course.

Conclusions: Peritonitis in myelofibrosis may have a number of causes. Clinicians need to be aware of them and provide conservative management prior to surgical treatment.