[Leukostasis syndrome in a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia]

The leukostasis syndrome is rare complication of leukemias with extremely high white cell counts. It occurs most frequently in chronic myelosis or acute leukemias and is exceptional in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A severe leukostasis syndrome was observed in a case of CLL with peripheral lymphocyte count of 1,120 G/L. Typical symptoms of respiratory and central nervous system were developed (tachypnoe, hypoxia, headache, slurred speech, somnolence and confusion). Leukapheresis decreased the lymphocyte count to 305 G/l rapidly and reversed the leukostasis syndrome.