Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia presenting as refractory ascites.

Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIM) with myeloid metaplasia is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by leukoerythroblastosis, tear drop erythrocytes, extra-medullary hematopoesis (EMH), and varying degree of myelofibrosis. CIM, presenting as refractory ascites secondary to peritoneal hematopoesis, is extremely rare with only six adult cases reported in literature. This is a report of a child with CIM presenting as refractory ascites as a consequence of EMH in the peritoneum. The patient was treated with intermittent hydroxyurea with favorable response over 3 weeks. The patient was thereafter lost to follow up.