Aggressive NK cell lymphoma preceded by a ten year history of neutropenia associated with large granular lymphocyte lymphocytosis

Leuk Lymphoma. 1998 Oct;31(3-4):417-21. doi: 10.3109/10428199809059236.

Abstract

We report a case of aggressive natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma in an 82 year old man who first presented 10 years earlier with neutropenia in association with a large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphocytosis. The diagnosis of NK cell lymphoma was made on the basis of morphological and immunological characteristics (CD3-CD56+) found on skin biopsy of one of multiple skin nodules which subsequently developed in association with splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and continuing neutropenia. In addition there was BM infiltration and a cytogenetic abnormality [add(6)(p25)] was detected. Combination chemotherapy led to an initial clinical response but a relapse occurred shortly afterwards and the patient died 8 months later from infection whilst neutropenic following re-introduction of chemotherapy. Previously reported cases of aggressive NK cell lymphoma have shown a young male predominance with a rapidly progressive clinical course and without evidence of a preceding chronic phase of LGL lymphocytosis and neutropenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chromosome Aberrations
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology*
  • Lymphocytosis / complications*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / etiology*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / genetics
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / pathology
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Neutropenia / complications*
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / physiopathology