Double lung cancer combined with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura - A case report

A 68 year-old woman was admitted because of two abnormal lung shadows, whic h later proved to be differentiated double cancer. Preoperative hematology tests showed a low platelet count and the result of bone marrow aspiration was compatible with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). A normal pla telet count was once obtained by preoperative percutaneous partial splenic arterial embolization (PSE). However, as there was a tendency for the plate let count to decrease just before surgery, one shot high-dose immunoglobuli n (Ig) was administered,which is thought to have a short term effect. The o peration was performed successfully. After resection of lung cancer, her pl atelet count was maintained at around 15 x 10(4) mm(3) without taking drugs for ITP. These findings suggest a relationship between lung cancer and ITP .