[Evans syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis as autoimmune manifestations of large granular T-cell leukemia]

Large granular T-cell leukemia is a rare cytotoxic lymphocyte disorder. These cells play an integral role in the immune system and are divided into 2 lineages: CD3 T positive and natural killer. Its proliferation and uncontrolled cytotoxicity can generate autoimmunity or malignancy. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune disease in individuals with this type of leukemia, however, it has been associated with a wide spectrum of other autoimmune diseases and hematological conditions including hemolytic anemia, pure red blood cell aplasia, and neutropenia, leading to recurring bacterial infections. The following is a case of a 72-year-old female with a history of large granular T-cell leukemia and manifestations compatible with rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs with a severe Evans syndrome with a good initial and sustained response to gamma globulin, corticosteroid therapy, and rituximab.