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T-prolymphocytic leukemia with circulating carrot-like cells.
1Institute of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong.
Pathology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
A rare case of T-prolymphocytic leukemia in a 67-year-old man resulted in rapid death. Unique carrot-shaped leukemic cells were observed, expressing T-cell and natural killer cell markers.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- T-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is an aggressive lymphoid malignancy.
- This report details a unique presentation of T-PLL.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male patient presented with T-prolymphocytic leukemia.
- Clinical features included multiple skin lesions and significant splenomegaly.
- A distinctive morphologic abnormality was noted: circulating leukemic cells with bizarre, carrot-like shapes.
Findings:
- The leukemic cells exhibited aberrant immunophenotypes.
- Expression of T-cell markers (T11, T8, Dako-T2) was confirmed.
- Co-expression of natural killer cell markers (NKH1, Leu7, Leu 11b) was also observed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diverse and unusual presentations of T-PLL.
- The co-expression of T-cell and NK cell markers may offer insights into T-PLL pathogenesis.
- Understanding these unique cellular characteristics is crucial for accurate diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies.