[Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura in malignant lymphoma. Report of 2 cases and review of the literature].

Two cases are reported of thrombocytopenia mediated by platelet-directed autoantibodies occurring in a patient with Hodgkin's disease in remission and a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the time of relapse. 0.5-1.5% of patients with malignant lymphoma have autoimmune thrombopenia, but few cases have been published. The detection of anti-platelet autoantibodies involves methodologic problems, and a specialized laboratory is needed for accurate diagnosis. Treatment is aimed at the malignant lymphoma, as steroids have little effect while the malignant disease is active. However, splenectomy may help even in these cases.