Cutaneous Presentation of Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma: A Harbinger of Poor Prognosis?

A 62-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of extensive, pruritic dermatosis over her face, trunk, and limbs. She was initially treated for psoriasis with methotrexate 5 mg twice weekly and topical clobetasol cream; however, her condition worsened, and she was admitted for generalized exfoliative dermatitis. Examination showed generalized erythema and scaling affecting her face (Figure 1A), chest (Figure 1B), back, and limbs. There were also cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Laboratory studies revealed a high white blood cell count of 125×10⁹/L (reference range: 4-10×10⁹/L), hemoglobin level of 11.9 g/dL (reference range: 12-16 g/dL), and normal platelet level of 396×10⁹/L (reference range: 140-440×10⁹/L). Results from direct Coombs test were negative and lactate dehydrogenase levels were normal.