Acquired Pelger-Huët Nuclear Anomaly With Tuberculosis

Karel Pelger described an abnormality of granulocyte nuclear segmentation in the context of advanced tuberculosis, but G. Huet questioned this association. It is now recognized that the Pelger-Huet nuclear anomaly (PHNA) can be either hereditary or acquired with systemic diseases, commonly hematologic dysplasias. An association with tuberculosis has never been well verified. The man described in our study had cachexia, high fevers, severe hypoproliferative anemia, and acquired PHNA. At autopsy, an overwhelming tuberculosis was discovered in the absence of any other underlying disease. Acquired PHNA may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator in tuberculosis.