Frequency and Pattern of Bone Marrow Infiltration in Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Introduction: Lymphomas are divided into two, groups Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Staging of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is important for the management and treatment of the patient. Bone marrow biopsy is one of the initial investigations carried out for staging of the disease along with other investigations. This study was carried out to determine the frequency of bone marrow infiltration at the time of diagnosis and various patterns of bone marrow involvement was noted. Materials and Methods: Clinical history and physical findings were recorded and investigations were carried out. Bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsies were carried out from posterior iliac crest. Aspirates and trephine biopsies were evaluated and assessed for cytology, marrow architecture, haemopoietic tissue and any lymphomatous infiltration. In cases with infiltration the infiltration pattern was studied. Results: Bone marrow infiltration was found in 20 (40%) of cases. Most common pattern of infiltration seen was interstitial in 9 patients (45%) followed by King Edward Medical University, Lahore – Pakistan diffuse pattern in 5 cases (25%). Focal para-trabecular involvement was seen in 4 cases (20%) and 1 case each of focal patchy and focal nodular pattern. Conclusion: Bone marrow involvement in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is more common in our setup as patients presents at a later stage. It is recommended that bone marrow examination should be performed as a part of staging investigations in patients with Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.