Hairy cell leukemia: an autopsy study

Autopsy study from 21 patients with hairy cell leukemia was performed. All patients had the expected widespread involvement of the hematopoietic system. Leukemic infiltration of lymph nodes was detected in 12 cases. Liver involvement was present in 19 patients, leukemic infiltration ranged from focal portal and sinusoidal infiltration to massive infiltration that effaced the hepatic architecture. Twelve patients showed leukemic infiltration of the spleen, remaining 9 patients underwent previous splenectomy for massive splenomegaly. We also found leukemic infiltration of kidneys in four cases, two patients showed leukemic involvement of the lungs. The cause of death was related to impaired immunity (sepsis, bronchopneumonia, etc.) in the majority (73%) of cases.