title: Hairy-cell leukaemia simulating connective tissue disease.
abstract: A patient is reported, in whom clinical and biochemical evidence of connective tissue disease preceded the diagnosis of hairy-cell leukaemia by at least 2 years. The pathogenetic mechanism(s) responsible for the coexistence of hairy-cell leukaemia with vasculitis and rheumatic disease is discussed. It is proposed that the 2 diseases may share a common predisposing factor, or that the hairy cells may elicit disturbances in immune homeostasis, implying a dysfunction of T suppressor cells. Hairy-cell leukaemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of unexplained febrile illness associated with pancytopenia and signs of connective tissue disease.
mesh_terms: D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007943:Leukemia, Hairy Cell / Q000209:etiology*; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010110:Oxymetholone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications; D013154:Spleen / Q000473:pathology; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D010110:Oxymetholone; D011241:Prednisone