Cutaneous findings associated with chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis

Background Chronic Natural Killer Cell Lymphocytosis (CNKL) is a recently described rare proliferative disorder. We noted an association of cutaneous disorders with CNKL in our clinical experience. Methods We reviewed the medical records of all known patients with CNKL at our institution. Results Fi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of dermatology 2002-12, Vol.41 (12), p.852-857
Main Authors: Vanness, Erin R., Davis, Mark D. P., Tefferi, Ayalew
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Chronic Disease
Dermatology
Female
Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases
Humans
Killer Cells, Natural - immunology
Killer Cells, Natural - pathology
Lymphocytosis - complications
Lymphocytosis - immunology
Lymphocytosis - pathology
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Other diseases. Hematologic involvement in other diseases
Skin Diseases - etiology
Skin Diseases - immunology
Skin Diseases - pathology
Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects
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Summary:Background Chronic Natural Killer Cell Lymphocytosis (CNKL) is a recently described rare proliferative disorder. We noted an association of cutaneous disorders with CNKL in our clinical experience. Methods We reviewed the medical records of all known patients with CNKL at our institution. Results Five of 14 patients (36%) with CNKL had associated chronic cutaneous disease: two had livedoid vasculopathy; one, urticarial vasculitis; one, peripheral T‐cell lymphoma; and one had complex recurrent aphthous stomatitis. In each case, except the one with lymphoma, the cutaneous disease was present before CNKL was diagnosed and CNKL persisted for the duration of the cutaneous disease. All five patients had increased numbers of large granular lymphocytes on a peripheral blood smear and three or four in the bone marrow (one patient did not undergo bone marrow biopsy). Conclusions Although CNKL and the reported skin diseases have occurred in the same patients, a causal link cannot yet be established. With CNKL, dermatologists must recognize associated cutaneous diseases, monitor patients for systemic disorders and cytopenias, and appropriately refer patients to a hematologist.
ISSN:0011-9059
1365-4632
DOI:10.1046/j.1365-4362.2002.01671.x