Trisomy 8-positive Polycythemia Vera Complicated with Intestinal Behçet's-like Disease: A New Perspective for a Clinical Approach

Abstract

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown origin. It rarely but occasionally occurs together with myelodysplastic syndrome and primary myelofibrosis. Trisomy 8 is one of the most common cytogenetic abnormalities in myeloid neoplasms; however, the association of BD with polycythemia vera (PV) and trisomy 8 has not been reported. A 70-year-old woman, diagnosed with PV and treated with hydroxyurea, had bloody stool due to multiple ulcers in the ileocecal region. Considering the lack of a response to treatment and other features, we suspected complication with intestinal Behçet's-like disease. Our case suggests relationships among BD, trisomy 8, and PV.

Introduction

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent oral ulcers, skin lesions, uveitis, and genital ulcers. Many other systems can be involved, including the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal system (1-3). Intestinal BD occurs in 3-60% of patients with BD (2-4). Its clinical manifestations range widely, from mild abdominal pain to bowel perforation or massive hemorrhaging with a poor prognosis (5). Although immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antibody (infliximab, adalimumab), and corticosteroids, are used to treat intestinal BD, a standard treatment for intractable BD has not been established. Surgery is considered in patients with intestinal BD who are unresponsive to medical treatment or those with bowel complications, such as perforation or persistent bleeding (6).

The relationship of trisomy 8 with intestinal Behçet's-like disease and myeloid neoplasms, such as acute monocytic leukemia (7), primary myelofibrosis (PMF) (8) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), has recently been reported. However, there have been no reports of cases in which intestinal Behçet's-like disease, myeloid neoplasms, and trisomy 8 all co-occurred. Most patients with symptoms of BD who also have trisomy 8 and MDS have intestinal manifestations of BD (9-11). Because trisomy 8 induces the activation of an abnormal inflammatory process and immune gene expression (12), trisomy 8 in MDS can contribute to the aggravation of intestinal ulcers in patients with BD. In fact, the intestinal lesions in BD patients with trisomy 8 are refractory to conventional medical therapy. Despite the use of various therapeutic agents, such as colchicine, 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA), corticosteroids, and immunomodulators, about 30% of BD patients with MDS involving trisomy 8 fail to respond to pharmacologic treatment (11).

Polycythemia vena (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by the excessive production of red blood cells and clonal myeloproliferation as a consequence of an acquired mutation of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene (13). Although PV, PMF, and MDS are a group of myeloid hematologic disorders characterized by features of chronic inflammation (14), the relationship between PV and BD has not been clarified. There is a case report of sigmoid sinus thrombosis presenting with posterior alexia in a patient with BD and PV (15), but some reports have suggested that JAK2 mutations are not associated with thrombosis in BD (16,17).

We herein report a case of intestinal Behçet's-like disease associated with PV and trisomy 8. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the co-existence of PV and intestinal Behçet's-like disease with trisomy 8.

Case Report

A 70-year-old woman presented to our hospital with increased white blood cell (WBC) counts and hematocrit levels. She had flushing, but her spleen was not palpable. Blood examinations showed a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 18.0 g/dL, platelet (Plt) count of 48.1×10⁴/μL, erythropoietin (EPO) 8.4 mIU/mL (normal range: 9.1-32.8 mIU/mL), and WBC count of 20,560 /μL, along with a serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level of 397 U/L (Table 1). A G-banded chromosome analysis revealed trisomy 8 and 9 (Fig. 1). A JAK2 V617F mutation was identified in the peripheral leukocytes using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -direct sequencing analysis. Based on these findings, she was diagnosed with PV in 2012 in accordance with the World Health Organization classification. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed portal vein thrombosis during treatment with phlebotomy, aspirin, and hydroxyurea (HU). She remained clinically asymptomatic and showed no significant changes in clinical examination findings for the next five years.

Table 1.

Patient Laboratory Data at PV Diagnosis.

Test name		Value	Units
Biochemistry
TP		8.4	g/dL
Alb		3.7	g/dL
T-Bil		0.5	mg/dL
BUN		12.8	mg/dL
Cr		0.66	mg/dL
AST		24	IU/L
ALT		20	IU/L
LDH		397	IU/L
γ-GTP		69	mg/dL
CRP		0.81	mg/dL
Na		136	mEq/L
K		5.2	mEq/L
Cl		102	mEq/L
Hematology
WBC		20,560	/μL
Hb		18.0	g/dL
RBC		727×104	/μL
Ht		58.3	%
Plt		48.1×104	/μL
Other
EPO		8.4	mIU/mL

TP: total protein, Alb: albumin, T-Bil: total bilirubin, BUN: blood urea nitrogen, Cr: creatinine, AST: asparatate aminotransferase, ALT: alanine aminotransferase, LDH: lactate dehydrogenase, γ-GTP: γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, CRP: C-reactive protein, WBC: white blood cell, Hb: hemoglobin, RBC: red blood cell, Ht: hematocrit, Plt: platelet, EPO: erythropoietin

Normal range of EPO: 9.1-32.8 mIU/mL

Figure 1.

G-banded chromosome analysis showing the trisomy 8 and 9.

Five years after the diagnosis of PV, she complained of bloody stool. Ileocolonoscopy was conducted and revealed multiple ulcers in the ileocecal region (Fig. 2A). A histopathological examination revealed no signs of cancer or non-specific inflammation (Fig. 2B, C). On a physical examination, the patient was afebrile and had no ocular symptoms or genital ulcers. A blood analysis showed anemia with a red blood cell count of 3.35×10⁴/μL, Hb level of 10.5 g/dL, hematocrit of 34.1%, and Plt count of 83.1×10⁴/μL (Table 2). We initially suspected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced enteropathy and changed aspirin to cilostazol. Her anemia improved after the medication change, and we decided to monitor her condition.

Figure 2.

Endoscopic images showing multiple punched-out ulcers in the ileocecal region (A). Histological images of biopsy specimens from the margin of the ileocecal ulcers showed no signs of cancer. There were only non-specific inflammatory changes at (B) 20× magnification of the objective lens and (C) 40× magnification; the magnification of the ocular lens is not identified because camera systems have become an integral part of the microscope (Hematoxylin and Eosin staining).

Table 2.

Patient Laboratory Data on Admission.

Test name		Value	Units
Biochemistry
TP		7.3	g/dL
Alb		3.3	g/dL
T-Bil		0.4	mg/dL
BUN		16.1	mg/dL
Cr		0.82	mg/dL
AST		17	IU/L
ALT		14	IU/L
LDH		199	IU/L
γ-GTP		38	mg/dL
CRP		2.68	mg/dL
Na		133	mEq/L
K		5.1	mEq/L
Cl		100	mEq/L
Hematology
WBC		13,270	/μL
Hb		10.5	g/dL
RBC		335×104	/μL
Ht		34.1	%
Plt		83.1×104	/μL

Two years later, she presented with relapse of anemia, and ileocolonoscopy revealed recurrence of multiple ulcers in the ileocecal region (Fig. 3). She presented again with bloody stool as well, and no improvement was found, so cilostazol and HU were withdrawn. Despite the cessation of cilostazol and HU, she again developed bloody stool. Given the lack of response to treatment and the typical endoscopic findings of segmental mucosal inflammation, punched-out, fissuring or aphthoid ulcers in the ileocecal area, we suspected complication with intestinal BD, but the major criteria of BD were not present in this case.

Figure 3.

Endoscopic image showing multiple punched-out ulcers in the ileocecum (A). Endoscopic image showing a well-circumscribed ulcer in the ileocecum (B).

Ileocolonoscopy revealed a few deep, oval-shaped ulcers in the ileocecal region (Fig. 4A). A histopathological examination of tissue specimens suggested no signs of cancer or non-specific inflammation (Fig. 4B, C). CMV infection was denied by tissue immunohistological staining and serum antigenemia. Polyarteritis nodosa and microscopic polyangiitis were denied by antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. She was negative for the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B51 antigen.

Figure 4.

Endoscopic images showing multiple punched-out ulcers in the ileocecum (A). Histological images of biopsy specimens from the margin of the ileocecal ulcers showed no signs of cancer. There were only non-specific inflammatory changes at (B) 20× magnification of the objective lens and (C) 40× magnification (Hematoxylin and Eosin staining).

Recent studies have suggested that trisomy 8 may lead to the development of intestinal ulcers in patients with myeloid diseases, and BD is also a well-known chronic inflammatory disease associated with myeloid diseases. Based on these findings and colonoscopic findings resembling those of BD, she was diagnosed with intestinal Behçet's-like disease complicated with PV with trisomy 8.

We prescribed oral prednisolone (PSL), which resulted in symptom improvement (Fig. 5). She underwent steroid therapy with 40 mg/day of PSL, and the dose was reduced to 5 mg/day at 2 months later. After five months of therapy, ileocolonoscopy revealed improvement of bowel inflammation (Fig. 6). The treatment of PSL has contributed to the control of her intestinal Behçet's-like disease, and she remains recurrence-free since completing PSL therapy.

Figure 5.

Therapy flow chart. First, she was diagnosed with PV and started treatment with phlebotomy, aspirin, and hydroxyurea. Five years after diagnosis, she had bloody stools and ileocolonoscopy revealed multiple ulcers in the ileocecal region. At first we suspected NSAIDs-induced enteropathy and monitored her condition while changing aspirin to cilostazol. No improvement was found, so cilostazol and HU were withdrawn. Since drug withdrawal was not effective, she was diagnosed with intestinal Behçet’s-like disease associated PV with trisomy 8 and started administration PSL on recurrence. PSL was effective and tapered slowly over several weeks. “0 day” refers to the day of readmission, “102 day” refers to the day of recurrence. “263 days” refers to the day of the most recent ileocolonoscopy after recurrence. PV: polycythemia vera, NSAIDs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, HU: hydroxyurea, PSL: prednisolone

Figure 6.

The most recent endoscopic images after recurrence. Ileocolonoscopy revealed improvement of intestinal Behçet’s-like disease.

Discussion

The development of chronic inflammatory disease is a rare but significant complication of myeloid malignancies, especially in MDS. MDS is sometimes complicated with autoimmune diseases or Sweet syndrome. BD is also a well-known chronic inflammatory disease associated with myeloid diseases (9-11). Interestingly, a previous case report highlighted the presence of a trisomy 8 chromosomal abnormality in a BD patient associated with myeloid diseases (18). In contrast, the association of BD and MPN, another form of myeloid disease, is quite rare. We herein report a patient with PV and trisomy 8 who developed intestinal Behçet’s-like disease five years after the diagnosis of PV.

MPNs, including PV, essential thrombocythemia (ET), and PMF, are characterized by the presence of a driver mutation of JAK2. In PV, 90% of cases have the JAK2V617F mutation, and another 5% have a JAK2 mutation in exon 12 of the gene. It is well recognized that aberrant activation of JAK2 in MPN cells causes a chronic inflammatory state through the disruption of immune signaling networks, which leads to the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α, by both neoplastic clones and bystander immune cells (14). Indeed, MPN patients are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than others (19). Although speculative at present, these impaired immune responses might be responsible for the development of BD in MPN.

Modulation of the microbiome in MPN patients might also play an important role in the development of BD associated with MPN, since the role of dysbiosis in autoimmune diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), is now well recognized (20,21). Indeed, Fleischman et al. revealed that the amount of Prevotellaceae family is increased in MPN patients compared with normal control patients, and the cytokines TNF-α and IL-17a explained most of the variance in microbiome data (14).

The presence of trisomy 8 also facilitates the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, which promote the neutrophil function and are known risk factors for intestinal ulcers (9). Tada et al. reported that trisomy 8 might lead to the development of intestinal ulcers in patients with MDS (9). Controlling MDS-related BD is difficult, as the underlying immune abnormalities arise from MDS itself (22). The precise role of trisomy 8 is unknown, but it is suggested that genes located on chromosome 8 predispose MDS patients to develop BD. Although an association between intestinal BD and MPN has not yet been reported, a similar mechanism is predicted in trisomy 8 cases. Trisomy 8 may thus lead to the development of intestinal Behçet’s-like disease in patients with MPN. The genetic background also affects the pathogenesis underlying the relationship between MPN and IBD, given that the JAK2 46/1 haplotype identified as associated with JAK2-mutated MPN is also associated with Crohn’s disease (23).

It should be noted that intestinal Behçet’s-like disease associated with myeloid malignancy has unique clinical findings. The frequency of intestinal Behçet’s-like disease is significantly higher in BD patients with bone marrow failure than in patients without bone marrow failure (61.5% vs. 13.6%) (24). Handa et al. reported the data of 64 patients with BD and MDS, among which 80% had trisomy 8, and observed a high frequency of intestinal lesions (66%), whereas the incidence of ocular lesions was low (13%). These observations suggested that intestinal lesions are a characteristic finding in BD associated with trisomy 8 and bone marrow failure, especially in MDS (25).

Although treatment for BD typically involves immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, anti-TNF-α antibody (infliximab, adalimumab), and corticosteroids, a standard treatment for BD associated with myeloid neoplasms has not yet been established. Previous reports indicated that the intestinal lesions in BD patients with trisomy 8 are refractory to conventional therapy (11). The administration of immunosuppressive agents alone is insufficient to control MDS-associated intestinal BD, and many patients die of hemorrhaging (26), infection (27), or recurrent ulcers (28) before MDS treatment. Similar to MDS-related BD (22,29), controlling MPN-associated BD is assumed to be difficult, as the underlying immune abnormalities arise from MPN itself. Surgery is considered for patients with intestinal BD who are unresponsive to medical treatment or those with bowel complications, such as perforation or persistent bleeding (30). Very recently, tofacitinib, a non-selective JAK inhibitor, was approved for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis refractory or intolerant to TNF inhibitors (31). Interestingly, ruxolitinib, an inhibitor of JAK1/JAK2, is widely used to treat PV and PMF and may be attractive for use in treating MPN patients with BD (8). However, Narazaki et al. reported a patient with trisomy 8-positive PMF with BD who developed intestinal perforation during treatment with ruxolitinib (8). Therefore, caution should be practiced when using ruxolitinib in MPN patients with intestinal BD.

HLA-B51 confers the strongest genetic risk to BD (32). A genome-wide association study and meta-analysis identified common variants in IL-10 and at the IL-23R-IL-12RB2 locus that predispose individuals to BD. Expression studies have shown that the disease-associated IL-10 variants are associated with a reduced expression of this anti-inflammatory cytokine, which may lead to a susceptible inflammatory state, thus increasing susceptibility to BD (33). Our patient had HLA-B51-negative intestinal Behçet’s-like disease, so a mutation in JAK2 or the presence of trisomy 8 may have facilitated the production of inflammatory cytokines and led to the development of intestinal Behçet’s-like disease. A recent study reported that tofacitinib would be the first JAK inhibitor made available for treatment of ulcerative colitis (34). Tofacitinib acts on a multitude of cytokines at the same time by inhibiting the JAK/STAT pathway, resulting in a wider effect on gastrointestinal inflammation then with other agents.

In conclusion, we reported a case of intestinal Behçet’s-like disease complicated with PV and trisomy 8. The diagnosis and treatment of such patients may be complicated, but we believe that an improved understanding of this complex disease and collaborative therapy affecting key cellular regulators (including JAK2 inhibitors as well as other drugs) can lead to improved care and a reduced rate of adverse outcomes.

The authors state that they have no Conflict of Interest (COI).