Concomitant T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia and visceral leishmaniasis: A case report

T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia (T-PLL) is a rare aggressive lymphoid disease featured by a significant increased lymphocyte count and obvious hepatosplenomegaly with poor prognosis. The concomitant presentation of T-PLL and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has not previously been reported.

The patient initially suffered from anorexia, skin pigmentation, fever and hepatosplenomegaly. Bone marrow smear described leishmania and antibody test was positive. VL was diagnosed and he was given antimony gluconate therapy. His symptoms recurred.

A combination of serological rk39 test, morphologic evaluation and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry finally supported the diagnosis of concomitant VL and T-PLL.

Amphotericin B was used for the treatment of VL first and a referral for treating T-PLL after recovery from VL was suggested. Unfortunately, the patient requested to be discharged. Telephone follow-up indicated that he died a few days after leaving the hospital.

Due to the rarity of the disease combination, the pathogenesis association of T-PLL and VL is unclear. However, a duly diagnosis is crucial for treatment. In immunosuppressed patients due to malignancies and treatment, VL should be considered as an opportunistic infection. In VL infections, the clinical manifestations mimicking hematological malignancies may cover up the underlying disease. Under such conditions, a complete work-up based on laboratory test is necessary to achieve a correct diagnosis.