Clinical features in T-cell vs. natural killer-cell variants of large granular lymphocyte leukemia.
OBJECTIVE
Standard clinical and laboratory evaluations and novel laboratory techniques were used to identify patients with T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGLL) and those with natural killer-cell variants of LGLL for comprehensive clinical evaluation.


METHODS
We used bone marrow histologic analysis, immunophenotypic markers of clonality, and T-cell-receptor gene rearrangement studies to identify patients.


RESULTS
The study identified 44 patients with T-cell LGLL and 14 with natural killer-cell LGLL. The two disorders were similar in sex and age distribution of patients; peripheral blood lymphocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts; and incidence of rheumatoid arthritis. Among the two groups, patients with the T-cell LGLL presented with significantly lower hemoglobin concentrations (P < 0.04) and a higher frequency of palpable splenomegaly (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Overall disease progression and response to immunosuppressive therapy are similar between T-cell and natural killer-cell variants of LGLL.
Neben
Michelle A
MA
Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine; Division of Hematopathology, Mayo Clinic, Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Morice
William G
WG
Tefferi
Ayalew
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000378:metabolism; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008024:Ligands; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D008024:Ligands