Hodgkin's Disease Associated with LDH-M Subunit Deficiency

Abstract

The patient was a 60-year-old man who had complained of left cervical swelling from the end of June, 1984. He was diagnosed as having Hodgkin's disease (mixed-cell type) by lymph node biopsy, and was admitted to our hospital for thorough examination and treatment on July 23rd. Diagnosis of stage IA Hodgkin's disease involving only the left cervical lymph node was made. On admission, laboratory data revealed that the LDH activity in his serum and erythrocytes consisted of only type 1 (LDH-H₄), hence LDH-M subunit deficiency (homogenous type) was diagnosed. However, the muscle rigidity, myoglobinuria, and skin lesions that are usually seen in this abnormality were not observed. After two course of C-MOPP therapy, beggining on August 1st. complete remission was obtained. He was subsequently given a total of 6 courses of C-MOPP therapy and 40 Gy of irradiation on an outpatient basis. He eventually died of heart failure on November 3rd, 1986. Only five families with LDH-M subunit deficiency have been reported to date in Japan. This is the first report in Japan of the condition being complicated by Hodgkin's disease.