Splenic alterations in hairy-cell leukemia: II. an electron microscopic study

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Pathology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Hairy-cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare chronic B-cell leukemia.
• Splenic involvement is a hallmark of HCL, but the precise ultrastructural changes are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ultrastructural alterations in the spleen of patients with hairy-cell leukemia.
• To understand the interaction between hairy cells and splenic microenvironment.

Main Methods:

• Ultrastructural examination of spleen tissue from nine HCL patients.
• Analysis of hairy cell morphology and their relationship with splenic endothelial cells and ring fibers.

Main Results:

• Hairy cells exhibited characteristic ultrastructural features and infiltrated splenic cords and sinuses.
• Hairy cells adhered to sinus endothelial cells and ring fibers, causing their injury and decreased numbers.
• Splenic cords expanded, and sinuses became dilated and lined by hairy cells, impeding venous blood flow.

Conclusions:

• Hairy cells' adherence and subsequent injury to splenic endothelial cells contribute to splenic pathology in HCL.
• These interactions impede venous blood flow, leading to abnormal splenic sinus formation and blood-filled spaces characteristic of HCL.