Adrenal infarction with latent myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm, unclassifiable with JAK2 V617F mutation

Shunichiro Yasuda¹, Momoko Chiba¹, Rie Nishitani² and Takako Watanabe²

¹Department of Hematology, Tokyo Kyosai Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

²Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Kyosai Hospital,

Tokyo, Japan

Correspondence: Shunichiro Yasuda, M.D., Ph.D.

Hematology Division Tokyo Kyosai Hospital 2-3-8 Nakameguro Meguro-ku Tokyo, 153-8934, Japan

Tel: +81-3-3712-3151 Fax 81-3-3793-5582

E-mail:y-shunichiro@tkh.meguro.tokyo.jp

MANUSCRIPT TYPE: Case report

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

SY, MC, RN, TW: were involved in the patient care and management. SY, MC and RN: prepared the initial draft of the manuscript. SY, MC, TW: edited the draft and reviewed the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed to be accountable for any aspects related to the accuracy or integrity of the work.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank all clinicians involved in this case and Editage (www.editage.jp) for the English language editing.

FUNDING INFROMATION

There is no funding for this article.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

ETHICS STATEMENT

This manuscript confirms to the provisions of the Declaration of Helsinki in 1995 (as revised in Brazil 2013).

CONSENT

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient to publish this report in accordance with the journal‘s patient consent policy.

Key Clinical Message

Hematopoietic neoplasms are considered a differential diagnosis when encountering adrenal infarction. We should recognize thatJAK2 V617F mutation can cause thrombogenicity even if there are no abnormal findings in the blood cell counts.

Abstract

Adrenal infarction, a rare ailment, has been sporadically linked to hematopoietic neoplasms. A 46-year-old male encountered left adrenal infarction, which coincided with a progressive rise in platelet counts. Subsequent diagnosis revealed myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm, unclassifiable (MDS/MPN-U), featuring a JAK2 V617F mutation. Simultaneously, the patient manifested multiple arteriovenous thromboses, necessitating treatment with edoxaban, aspirin, and hydroxyurea. Following thrombosis resolution, he was transferred to a transplantation center. This report delves into the thrombogenicity linked to the JAK2 V617F mutation, while also examining documented instances of adrenal infarction in myeloid neoplasms.

Key words; adrenal infarction, myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm, unclassifiable (MDS/MPN-U), JAK2 V617F, CHIP

INTRODUCTION

Adrenal infarction is a rare condition that occasionally develops in a hypercoagulable state ¹. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), COVID-19 infection, and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HITT) have been reported as underlying diseases of adrenal infarction^1-3. Adrenal infarctions have also been rarely linked to myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), such as polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) ^4,5.

Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN) is a hematological disorder that exhibits characteristics of both MDS and MPN^6,7. According to the revised version of the 4th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, the categories of MDS/MPN include chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML), MDS/MPN with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T), and MDS/MPN-unclassifiable (MDS/MPN-U)^6-8. The diagnosis of MDS/MPN-U is based on ruling out any other subtype of MDS/MPN ^7,8. Approximately 25% of cases with MDS/MPN-U have JAK2 V617F mutations⁸, which is a major mutation in patients with MPN⁹. As patients with MDS/MPN-U exhibit MPN characteristics, they may have a high risk of thrombosis. However, due to the rarity of this disease, the frequency of thrombosis in patients with MDS/MPN-U has not yet been thoroughly investigated.

Herein, we present a case of JAK2 V617F-positive MDS/MPN-U with adrenal infarction. The present case had a unique clinical course in which the platelet count of the patient was almost normal at the time of adrenal infarction; however, later, the counts increased, and the characteristics of MPN became apparent. We report this case with a discussion of the thrombogenicity caused by the JAK2 V617F mutation and review previously reported cases of adrenal infarction in myeloid neoplasms.

CASE HISTORY/ EXAMINATION

A 46-year-old previously healthy man presented to our emergency department with epigastric and left hypochondrial pain. He had no history of medication or family history of thrombophilia. On physical examination, his body temperature was 37.1 °C, blood pressure was 152/101 mmHg, heart rate was 118 bpm, and oxygen saturation was 97%. Electrocardiography (ECG) findings were normal, and chest radiograph showed no abnormalities. Blood tests revealed a slight increase in the platelet count (42.6×10⁴/μL) and mild anemia (Hemoglobin: 12.9g/dL); the COVID-19 antigen test was negative. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed left adrenal hypertrophy and non-contrast-enhancing areas of the adrenal gland. Additionally, there was increased density of adipose tissue and fluid retention around the left adrenal gland (Fig.1A). Subsequently, he received a diagnosis of left adrenal infarction. The patient was urgently admitted to our hospital, and heparin 10000 U/day was initiated (Fig. 2). While the adrenal infarction was unilateral, there were no signs of adrenal insufficiency based on vital signs and laboratory data.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS, INVESTIGATIONS AND TREATMENT

Due to the potential for adrenal insufficiency, we initiated the administration of hydrocortisone as a steroid cover. Endocrine examinations indicated the maintenance of the adrenal function of the patient; consequently, the hydrocortisone dose was tapered and terminated. His epigastric and left hypochondrial pain steadily relieved, and follow-up contrast-enhanced CT on day 7 revealed resolution of the left adrenal infarction (Fig.1B). Subsequently, we transitioned the antithrombotic therapy from heparin 10000U/day to edoxaban 30 mg/day, and the patient was discharged on day 16. As for the thrombotic predisposition that led to the adrenal infarction, the increase in platelet counts was not remarkable. Both protein C activity and protein S activities were within the normal range

(148% and 73%, respectively). The lupus anticoagulant was negative. Hence, we could not find any causes of adrenal infarction.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

Soon after discharge from our hospital, the patient suffered from a headache. Considering the possibility of edoxaban-induced headache, edoxaban treatment was discontinued on day 20. Two months later, he presented to our hospital with a persistent headache despite discontinuing edoxaban treatment. He was diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and edoxaban treatment was resumed on day 88. Simultaneously, the patient presented with right hypochondrial pain, and contrast-enhanced CT showed mild hypertrophy of the right adrenal gland (Fig.1C). He was clinically diagnosed with right adrenal infarction. Furthermore, abdominal aortic mural thrombosis was incidentally detected on contrast-enhanced CT. Regarding multiple arteriovenous thromboses in a short period, his thrombotic predisposition was examined again. Blood tests showed that various autoantibodies were all negative, and the patient did not have diabetes or dyslipidemia (Table.1). However, the platelet counts, which were almost normal at the time of the first admission, gradually increased (Fig.2). Suspecting MPN, especially ET, we examined the presence of JAK2 V617F mutation, which was found to be positive. Bone marrow aspiration showed no increase in the blasts but showed dysplastic features in granulocytes, erythroblasts, and megakaryocytes; a chromosomal abnormality with der(1;7)(q10;p10) was found in 20 out of 20 cells. Bone marrow biopsy showed no bone marrow fibrosis. WT1mRNA was slightly high (71 copies/µgRNA). Since our patient had characteristics of both MDS and MPN and the diagnostic criteria for other MDS/MPN subtypes were not fulfilled, he was diagnosed with MDS/MPN-U. At the same time, the patient was aware of a rash resembling urticaria rash and pruritus on both lower legs, with mild increase in eosinophils (8.1%). The rash and pruritus improved with the use of an antihistamine cream. Since his thrombocytosis was not remarkable (59.7×10⁴/µL) and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) ristocetin cofactor activity (vWF:RCo) did not decrease (89%), the risk of bleeding might not be high ^10,11. The patient was then treated with edoxaban (30 mg/day) and aspirin (100 mg/day).

On day 131, the patient was admitted to our hospital again for close examination and treatment because his platelet counts further increased (Fig.2) and the development of a new thrombosis was expected. After admission, contrast-enhanced MRI and contrast-enhanced CT were performed, which showed resolution of all arteriovenous thromboses, including the right adrenal infarction (Fig.1D). The platelet counts rose to approximately 100×10⁴/µL; therefore, hydroxyurea 500 mg/day was started on day 137 as cytoreductive therapy, which was increased to 1000 mg/day on day 140. His eosinophil count also gradually increased with a skin rash flare-up. A skin biopsy was performed, leading to the pathological diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, which was considered closely related to MDS with der(1;7)(q10;p10)^10,11. After the hydroxyurea treatment, both the platelet and eosinophil counts decreased, leading to no recurrence of new thrombosis or improvement of the skin rash. Both JAK2 V617F allele burden and the copy numbers of WT1mRNA increased in our patient, suggesting that MDS/MPN-U progressed. Furthermore, MDS with der(1;7)(p10;q10) complicated by eosinophilia has aggressive clinical features and a poor prognosis ^13,14. As the prognosis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is poor in patients with MDS/MPN-U who have progressive disease or severe complications ¹², earlier allo-HSCT might be preferable. After obtaining adequate informed consent, including the risks and benefits of allo-HSCT, the patient was transferred to the transplantation center to receive allo-HSCT at the optimal time.

DISCUSSION

In this manuscript, we present a case of JAK2 V617F-positive MDS/MPN-U with multiple thromboses, including adrenal infarction. Although the precise mechanisms of thrombogenesis in MDS/MPN-U have not been elucidated, we speculate that MDS/MPN-U caused multiple thromboses since our patient did not have any other risk factors for thrombosis or a thrombotic predisposition. Notably, the first adrenal infarction occurred when the platelet count was only slightly elevated and MDS/MPN was not apparent. To date, various mechanisms of thrombogenesis byJAK2 V617F have been reported; 1) JAK2 V617F-positive neutrophils and monocytes release inflammatory cytokines, leading to arteriosclerosis and arterial thrombosis ¹³. 2)JAK2 V617F-positive neutrophils activate β1/2 integrin, promoting venous thrombosis ^14,15. 3) Vascular endothelial cell expression of　JAK2 V617F promotes a prothrombotic state due to increased P-selectin expression ¹⁶. Recently, Clonal Hematopoiesis (CH) has been identified and genetic mutations associated with the disease have been detected before the development of hematological malignancies ^17,18. In addition, when CH occurs and the variant allele frequency (VAF) exceeds 2%, it is called CH with indeterminate potential (CHIP) ¹⁷.JAK2 V617F-CHIP holders had a higher incidence of both arterial and venous thromboses than non-holders ¹⁷. In the present case, JAK2 V617F-CHIP may have been associated with the thrombogenicity of adrenal infarction.

Previously, five cases of myeloid neoplasms that developed into adrenal infarctions have been reported (Table.2). Among these cases, two patients with ET had JAK2 V617F mutations ^4,5. Indeed, one patient developed adrenal infarction before the diagnosis of ET, indicating that JAK2 V617F-CHIP was closely associated with adrenal infarction, as in our case ⁴. However, one patient with MDS/MPN-U did not harbor the JAK2 V617F mutation¹⁹, indicating that other gene mutations may contribute to the thrombogenesis in MDS/MPN-U. Furthermore, one case with MDS had adrenal infarction with no other thrombotic predisposition, such as MPN, suggesting that the hypercoagulable state associated with MDS may contribute to thrombogenesis ²⁰. With reference to these case reports, other factors as well asJAK2 V617F mutation, may have caused the adrenal infarction in our case with MDS/MPN-U. A previous study suggested that SF3B1 may be a risk factor for thrombosis in MDS/MPN-RS-T, a subtype of MDS/MPN²¹. At present, SF3B1 mutation analysis is required for the accurate classification of MDS/MPN subtypes according to the latest 5th WHO classification. However, SF3B1 analysis can only be performed at a limited number of centers in Japan and is not available at our hospital. If SF3B1 or other gene mutation analyses become widespread and can be performed in daily practice, more accurate predictions can be made regarding the risk of thrombosis in MDS/MPN subtypes in the future.

All six cases in Table.2, including the current case, developed complications such as adrenal insufficiency and thromboses at other sites. Among the six patients, five had bilateral adrenal infarction^4,5,19,20,22 and four developed primary adrenal insufficiency that required steroid replacement therapies^4,19,20,22. In our case, the adrenal infarction was unilateral and improved soon after edoxaban treatment. Although our patient subsequently developed adrenal infarction contralaterally, the lesions of adrenal infarction were small; therefore, the patient did not develop adrenal insufficiency.

Among the six patients shown in Table.2, four developed thromboses at other sites, including one case of angina pectoris that required percutaneous coronary intervention ⁵. Our patient simultaneously developed CVT, abdominal aortic mural thrombosis, and adrenal infarction. In accordance with the recommendations of a previous study on the combination of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs for arteriovenous thrombosis in patients with MPN ²³, the patient was treated with edoxaban and aspirin, and all thromboses disappeared.

Although the six cases in Table.2 did not develop adrenal hemorrhagic infarction, they sometimes occurred after adrenal infarction. The mechanisms underlying adrenal infarction and adrenal hemorrhagic infarction are not fully understood; however, it is hypothesized that they are related to the unique vascular anatomy of the adrenal gland^4,19,24. When treating adrenal infarction, attention should be paid to adrenal hemorrhagic infarction. In particular, patients with MPN have an increased risk of bleeding owing to a decrease in vWF activity associated with an increase in the platelet count²⁵. Therefore, patients with adrenal infarction who have characteristics of MPN should be examined for vWF activity before starting treatment with antithrombotic agents.

Patients with MDS/MPN-U generally have a poor prognosis with a median overall survival of 12.4 months, as reported by a previous study⁸. Although the efficacy of ruxolitinib or hypomethylating agents for MDS/MPN-U has been reported^26,27, they are not curative, and the only curative treatment option is allo-HSCT ¹². Since patients with severe complications before allo-HSCT have a worse prognosis, management of these complications is crucial for patients with MDS/MPN-U. Although our patient had multiple arteriovenous thromboses, they were managed with antithrombotic agents, and the patient was eventually transferred to the transplantation center without any complications.

CONCLUSION

We report a case of JAK2 V617F-positive MDS/MPN-U with adrenal infarction. Hematopoietic neoplasms are considered a differential diagnosis when encountering adrenal infarction with unknown causes. Even if there are no abnormal findings in the blood cell counts at the time of adrenal infarction, they should be carefully monitored, and when MPN is suspected, JAK2 V617F mutation should be examined. Finally, patients with adrenal infarction of hematopoietic neoplasms often have complications, and management of these complications is crucial, especially in patients eligible for allo-HSCT.

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Figure legends

Figure 1. Contrast-enhanced CT showing development (A) and improvement of (B) left adrenal infarction. Contrast-enhanced CT showing development (C) and improvement (D) of right adrenal infarction.

A) The arrow shows left adrenal hypertrophy and non-contrast-enhanced areas, and arrowheads show increased lipid concentrations and fluid retention around the left adrenal gland. The patient was diagnosed with left adrenal infarction. B) The left adrenal infarction improved. C) The arrow indicates mild hypertrophy of the right adrenal gland. He was diagnosed with a right adrenal infarction. D) The right adrenal infarction improved.

Figure 2. Clinical course of adrenal infarction withJAK2 V617F-positive MDS/MPN-U with der(1;7)(p10;q10).

Plt, platelet; Eo, eosinophil; vWF:Rco, von Willebrand Factor ristocetin cofactor activity;

U, unit; Lt, left; Rt, right; AI, adrenal infarction; CVT, cerebral venous thrombosis; AMT, aortic mural thrombosis. BMA, bone marrow aspiration; BMB, bone marrow biopsy