Auer Rod-Like Inclusions in Prolymphocytic Leukemia

Prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL) is a generalized malignancy of the lymphoid tissue, usually of B cell type. Auer rod-like inclusions in prolymphocytic leukemia cells are an extremely rare event; the inclusions are very similar to the Auer rods morphologically.

We describe a case of B-cell PLL presenting with Auer rod-like inclusions. The diagnosis was eventually proven by the morphology, cytochemical staining, immunophenotypes, and electron microscopy.

Auer rod-like inclusions are pathological changes of mitochondria with increasing density of matrix and disappearing internal instructure seen through a scanning electronic microscope.

Auer rod-like inclusions can present in pathologically changed prolymphocytic leukemia cells.