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[Persistent B-cell polyclonal lymphocytosis: a benign lymphoproliferative syndrome]
J D Tissot1, P M Schmidt, V von Fliedner
1Département de médecine, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, Lausanne.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|October 26, 1991
Summary
Persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis is a rare condition seen in women smokers, often linked to HLA-DR7. This benign disorder involves chronic lymphocytosis and increased IgM, with characteristic binucleate lymphocytes observed.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (PPBL) is a distinct clinicopathologic entity.
- PPBL is a recently identified condition with a benign clinical course.
- The disorder has predominantly been reported in female smokers.
Observation:
- Mild chronic peripheral lymphocytosis is a key characteristic.
- Peripheral blood smears may show distinctive binucleate lymphocytes.
- Some patients present with lymphadenopathy and/or splenomegaly.
Findings:
- A polyclonal increase in serum IgM is consistently observed.
- Surface marker studies confirm the polyclonal B-cell origin of the lymphocytes.
- The presence of the HLA-DR7 antigen is frequently associated with this condition.
Implications:
- Understanding PPBL aids in accurate diagnosis and differentiation from malignant lymphoproliferative disorders.
- Identifying associated factors like HLA-DR7 may offer insights into pathogenesis.
- Further research can elucidate the underlying mechanisms and long-term prognosis of PPBL.