Summary
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 lymphoproliferative disorders involving GL encompass a variety of clinical entities, ranging from reactive GL lymphocytoses to overt lymphocytic malignancies.
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Abbreviations
- GL:
-
granular lymphocytes
- LGL:
-
large granular lymphocytes
- PBL:
-
peripheral blood lymphocytes
- NK:
-
natural killer
- ADCC:
-
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
- APh:
-
acid phosphatase
- PAS:
-
periodic acid-Schiff
- β-Glu:
-
β-glucuronidase
- ANBE:
-
alpha-naphtyl-butyrat-esterase
- ANAE:
-
acid esterase
- POX:
-
peroxidase
- PTA:
-
parallel tubular arrays
- E-R:
-
surface membrane receptor for sheep erythrocytes
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This work was financially supported by the Austrian fund “Zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung” project no. 4578 and by the “Jubiläumsfond” of the Austrian National Bank
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Gastl, G., Rumpold, H., Kraft, D. et al. Abnormal expansions of granular lymphocytes: Reactive lymphocytosis or chronic leukemia? case report and literature review. Blut 52, 73–89 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00321070
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00321070