University of Virginia Health System

Chronic Small Lymphocytic T Cell Leukemia

 
Chronic small lymphocytic T cell leukemia- Bone marrow aspirate smear, Wright-Giemsa stain, 500x

Introduction and Description:

A chronic lymphocytic leukemia of T cell lineage that may be indistinguishable from B-CLL by light microscopy does occur, but is quite rare. The cells vary in size and appearance from those seen in B-CLL; they are 1-2 times larger with convoluted nuclear chromatin. Nucleoli usually are not visible. The course may be indolent or aggressive. The clonal cells are CD3+ and may be CD4+ or CD8+.

From a clinical standpoint, it is the absence of cutaneous involvement that identifies this subtype. The differential should include the small cell variant of T-PLL and T-LGL. The absence of cytoplasmic azurophilic granules separates it from T-LGL leukemia.

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