T4+ (helper phenotype) chronic lymphocytic leukemia: case report with liver failure and literature review.
T-cell lymphomas and leukemias are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms found in each anatomic compartment of the T system (marrow, thymus, and various peripheral tissues) and that have varying phenotypic expressions. Histopathologic features of the thymic and peripheral T neoplasms do not fit into a clearly defined pattern, and clinical expressions of T neoplasms are likewise variable. This report describes a 60-year-old man with "chronic" lymphocytic leukemia of T4+ (helper) phenotype. Rapid deterioration in liver function, presumably due to tumor infiltration, was unexpected and has not previously been reported. The unusual clinical and pathologic features are reviewed in the context of T-cell neoplasms, particularly T4+ processes.
Greer
J P
JP
Department of Medicine (Hematology), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Cousar
J B
JB
Miller
R F
RF
Vogler
L B
LB
Goodin
J C
JC
Graber
S E
SE
Collins
R D
RD
D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer