Large granular lymphocytosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
A 74 year old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, hepatosplenomegaly, neutropenia, and peripheral blood lymphocytosis is described. The lymphocytes had a large granular morphology and expressed a CD3+ CD8+ Leu7+ surface antigen phenotype. They did not have natural killer cell function. Southern analysis of the lymphocyte DNA using two restriction enzymes showed a rearranged pattern for the T cell receptor beta chain gene, indicating a monoclonal lymphoproliferation. Large granular lymphocytosis is a rare and heterogeneous phenomenon, which has become more clearly characterised through the application of molecular biology techniques. Most cases appear to be forms of T cell leukaemia with a chronic benign course. The association between rheumatoid arthritis and large granular lymphocytosis is emphasised.
Samanta
A
A
Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Grant
I
I
Nichol
F E
FE
Pringle
J H
JH
Wood
J K
JK
Campbell
A C
AC
D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D005260:Female; D015333:Gene Rearrangement, beta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor; D006801:Humans; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology