Primary myelofibrosis with concurrent paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria presenting with erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Primary myelofibrosis and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) are uncommon clonal blood disorders that are rarely found together. We report a case of primary myelofibrosis (PMF) with concomitant subtle PNH in a 42-year-old man who presented with a 4-week history of fatigue, unexplained chest pain, and new-onset erectile dysfunction. Bone marrow biopsy showed severe fibrosis consistent with PMF. However, smooth muscle dystonia symptoms in the form of new-onset erectile dysfunction and oesophageal spasm were not fully explained by PMF but were clues for PNH, confirmed by flow cytometric assays. Routine PNH testing for patients with new-onset PMF and clinical symptoms suggestive of PNH, as well as those with refractory anaemia despite effective therapy, is crucial since these two conditions can coexist. As a result, a lack of early testing may cause a delay in diagnosis, increasing the patient's transfusion load and the facility's costs.