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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Immunoglobulin Gene Sequence Analysis In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Patient Material To Sequence Interpretation
Published on: November 26, 2018
Composite CLL/SLL and Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma with IgM Anti-MAG Neuropathy: Clinicopathologic and Molecular
Ruimeng Yang1,2, Matthew T Ye1,3, Caroline G Medeiros1
1Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Objective:
Composite lymphoma, defined by the coexistence of two or more distinct lymphoma types at the same anatomic site, is rare and diagnostically challenging. Composite chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) has been reported only rarely.
Case Report:
A 75-year-old woman with long-standing CLL/SLL developed progressive sensorimotor neuropathy. Serum studies detected elevated IgM (988 mg/dL), an IgM lambda paraprotein (0.5 g/dL), and IgM anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein antibody. Imaging studies identified a dominant pelvic lymph node. Biopsy revealed two B-cell neoplasms: a predominant CLL/SLL component (CD5+, CD23+, CD200+, dim monotypic lambda, CD10-), and a minor LPL component (CD38+, bright monotypic lambda, CD5-, CD10-, CD23-, CD200-). Targeted sequencing detected MYD88 L252P mutation in peripheral blood and pelvic lymph node, supporting LPL. The patient was treated with intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine together with zanubrutinib, which led to neurological improvement and clearance of CLL/SLL cells from cerebrospinal fluid.
Conclusions:
This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of composite indolent B-cell lymphomas and underscores the importance of integrated clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular assessment to inform management and surveillance.
