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Hairy cell leukemia presenting as a lupus-like illness
R W Strickland1, A Limmani, J G Wall
1Department of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|April 1, 1988
Summary
A young man initially suspected of systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia after a bone marrow biopsy. This case highlights a rare lupus-like syndrome associated with hairy cell leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia.
Observation:
- A young Hispanic male presented with symptoms mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Diagnostic workup included a bone marrow biopsy.
Findings:
- The bone marrow biopsy confirmed the presence of hairy cell leukemia.
- The patient's presentation mimicked a lupus-like syndrome.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of rheumatic syndromes associated with hairy cell leukemia.
- Clinicians should consider HCL in patients presenting with unexplained lupus-like symptoms.
