Myelophthisis is a form of bone marrow failure that results from the destruction of bone marrow precursor cells and their stroma, which nurture these cells to maturation and differentiation. Generally, a form of fibrosis occurs secondary to injury by nonhematopoietic cells or pathogens. This fibrosis destroys the normal hematopoietic cells and their supportive stromal cells. The bone marrow becomes infiltrated by collagen, reticulin, and other forms of fibrosis that replace the normal hematopoietic cells. It most commonly occurs during the advanced stages of cancer, and the outcome depends on the patient's access to medical care.
Mortality is dependent on the underlying condition.
Patients with varying degrees of cytopenia are at risk for infection or bleeding. If patients are symptomatic, treat their anemia with red blood cell transfusions. In cases of inherited or congenital causes, obtaining a complete family history is crucial. Anemia may cause skin pallor. Severe thrombocytopenia may produce petechiae or ecchymoses.