eISSN: 2299-0046
ISSN: 1642-395X
Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii
Current issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Editorial board Reviewers Abstracting and indexing Subscription Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures
Editorial System
Submit your Manuscript
SCImago Journal & Country Rank
6/2019
vol. 36
 
Share:
Share:
abstract:
Letter to the Editor

Cutaneous manifestation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report and a literature review

Łukasz Szukalski
1
,
Martyna Sysakiewicz-Buda
2
,
Kaja Męcińska-Jundziłł
3
,
Agnieszka Białecka
3
,
Jarosław Czyż
1
,
Rafał Czajkowski
3

  1. Department of Haematology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland
  2. Department of Haematology, Nicolaus Copernicus Hospital, Torun, Poland
  3. Chair of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Immunodermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland
Adv Dermatol Allergol 2019; XXXVI (6): 778-780
Online publish date: 2019/12/30
View full text Get citation
 
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent type of leukemia among people aged 65 and more [1]. It usually develops in a predictable way, initially manifesting itself in peripheral blood and subsequently entering also extramedullary locations: the lymph nodes, the spleen, and the liver, described in detail by Rai et al., and became the foundation of the classical prognostic system [2]. Various skin lesions are relatively frequent among people suffering from CLL but a real lesion of the skin by leukemic cells called leukemia cutis (LC) is a rare manifestation and may be associated with a more aggressive course of the disease [3, 4].
In this paper we present a patient with a histopathologically confirmed case of infiltration of the skin by chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes. The occurrence of skin lesions correlated with the disease’s progression. In the case report we both refer to the results of the treatment and present the literature pertaining to the topic introduced above.
Course of the disease: In 2014, a 68-year-old man went through a routine check-up which showed an elevated lymphocyte count in peripheral blood. At that time, the patient showed no general symptoms, such as night sweats, raised temperature or loss of weight. Physical examination did not show enlarged lymph nodes, liver or spleen. Laboratory tests established the white blood cell count of 26.80 G/l, haemoglobin concentration of 15.6 g/dl and platelet count of 220 G/l, small lymphocytes were dominant in the blood smear. Between 2014 and 2017 the patient remained under observation without getting any treatment.
In March 2017, the patient observed a single skin lesion on his lower abdomen, accompanied by redness and mild itching. About a month later, he noticed increased night sweating, without fever or loss of weight. Physical examination showed enlarged lymph nodes and spleen (ca. 2 cm below the left rib arch) but no palpable enlargement of the liver. In the following weeks, there was a progression of the skin lesions in the form of numerous red and blue-purple lumps and bumps on the skin on the patient’s arms, back, lower abdomen and thighs (Figure 1). At that time, laboratory tests showed an elevated white blood cell count of 142.61 G/l, haemoglobin concentration was 14.3 g/dl while platelet count was 167 G/l. The blood smear showed 92% of small lymphocytes, typical of the classical form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia....


View full text...
Quick links
© 2024 Termedia Sp. z o.o.
Developed by Bentus.