Prolymphocytic leukaemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma

• Published in: European journal of haematology 2002-09, Vol.69 (3), p.182-184
• Main Authors: Naranjo, Tomás Álvaro, Matutes, Estel·la, Martínez, Joaquín Jaén, Font Ferré, Llorenç, Domingo, Alicia, Príncep, Ramón Bosch, Usach, Teresa Salvadó
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Marrow - pathology; chronic prolymphocytic leukemia; Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases; Hodgkin Disease - pathology; Hodgkin's disease; Humans; Leukemia, Prolymphocytic - drug therapy; Leukemia, Prolymphocytic - pathology; Leukemia, Prolymphocytic - physiopathology; Leukemias. Malignant lymphomas. Malignant reticulosis. Myelofibrosis; Male; Medical sciences; Neoplasms, Second Primary; Remission Induction
• ISSN: 0902-4441; 1600-0609
• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0609.2002.02758.x

: We describe a case of B‐prolymphocytic leukaemia (B‐PLL) who, following a long‐lasting remission with fluradabine, developed a Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) with bone marrow involvement. A 75‐yr‐old male was found to have a lymphocytosis [white blood cell (WBC) count = 146 × 109 L−1], small volume axillary lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. The majority of circulating lymphocytes had a round nucleus and prominent single nucleolus. The patient did not respond to chlorambucil and then received fludarabine, achieving a good response lasting for 5 yr, when he manifested with B symptoms and pancytopenia. A diagnosis of HL in the bone marrow was made based on histology (Reed–Sternberg cells) and immunohistochemistry (CD30+, CD15+). Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) studies were negative. The patient was treated with chemotherapy but died 6 months later from disease progression.