[Heterogeneity of large granular lymphocyte leukemia. 2 cases]

Large cell granulocytic leukemia (LCGL) or proliferative lymphocyte T gamma disease, characterized cytologically by the presence of lymphocytes with intracytoplasmic azurophil granules, raises the problem of whether or not it is monoclonal in character. However, although it may resemble a chronic lymphoid T leukemia or Felty's syndrome, it differs by the constant finding of infiltration of the splenic red pulp by large granular lymphocytes. Studies of their immunologic phenotype and functional activity produce heterogeneous results. The disease course varies considerably: the serious nature of the infections, knowledge of the physiopathologic mechanism of the neutropenia and the importance of the tumoral syndrome could represent therapeutic indications the modalities of which have still to be defined.