Abnormal expansions of granular lymphocytes: reactive lymphocytosis or chronic leukemia? Case report and literature review.
A case of chronic lymphoproliferative disorder is presented, wherein a morphologically homogeneous population of lymphoid cells displayed properties similar to those described for large granular lymphocytes (LGL). Besides their LGL-like phenotype (VEP 13+, OKM 1+, OKT 10+ Fc-IgG-receptor+, OKT 3-), the proliferating cells were cytotoxic to NK targets as well as to antibody-coated target cells. Clinically, our patient presented low-grade lymphocytosis, splenomegaly, neutropenia, hyperimmunoglobulinemia and recurrent infections. Based upon this and 32 similar cases reported in the literature, we conclude that lympho-proliferative disorders involving GL encompass a variety of clinical entities, ranging from reactive GL lymphocytoses to overt lymphocytic malignancies.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000032:analysis; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006942:Hypergammaglobulinemia / Q000150:complications; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000494:pharmacology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D007938:Leukemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000150:complications; D010641:Phenotype; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000032:analysis; D017452:Receptors, IgG
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007519:Isoantigens; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D011961:Receptors, Fc; D017452:Receptors, IgG; D003208:Concanavalin A