CD20-positive T cell leukemia/lymphoma: case report and review of the literature

Ann Hematol. 2001 Jun;80(6):372-5. doi: 10.1007/s002770100297.

Abstract

We report on a case of CD20-positive peripheral T cell lymphoma. The lymphoma cell was positive for CD20 and T cell lineage markers such as cytoplasmic CD3, CD4, and CD5 and had a monoclonal rearrangement of the T cell receptor (TCR) gamma chain gene. The clinical characteristics resembled angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy: spontaneous regression of lymphadenopathy and immunological abnormalities such as polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, positive results of direct and indirect antiglobulin tests, and a high antinuclear antibody titer. We reviewed seven cases of CD20-positive T cell malignancies including the present case. Three were immature T cell malignancies (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and four were peripheral T cell malignancies (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia). Hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly were common features. Further cases must be evaluated to understand the clinical significance of the CD20 expression on the surface of T cell malignancies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD20 / analysis*
  • Genes, T-Cell Receptor gamma / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / pathology*
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antigens, CD20