T-lymphocytes with both helper- and suppressor markers on the same cell in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

A 62-year-old Norwegian male was found to have a leucocytosis (20 X 10(9)/l blood). About 80% of the leucocytes were T-lymphocytes with markedly convoluted, often cerebriforme nuclei. There were generalized pea-sized lymph nodes. The liver was enlarged and was found to be infiltrated with the same type of lymphocytes as were found in the blood. A bone marrow biopsy showed massive infiltration with the same kind of cells. The patient had a non-specific rash, but no generalized exfoliative dermatitis. A double set of markers was found on the T-lymphocytes, with a membrane phenotype T4+ and T8+ on practically all cells.