Granular lymphocytic leukemia derived from gamma delta T-cell expressing cytotoxic molecules

Leuk Res. 2001 Mar;25(3):259-61. doi: 10.1016/s0145-2126(00)00115-6.

Abstract

We here present an extremely rare case of granular lymphocytic leukemia derived from gamma delta T-cell (gamma delta T-GLL). The blood picture at diagnosis was as follows; white cell count 25.7 x 10(9)/l containing 94% atypical lymphocytes with cytoplasmic granules, hemoglobin 11.8 g/dl and platelet count 124 x 10(9)/l. The atypical lymphocytes were positive for CD2, CD3, CD5, CD7, CD56 and TCR gamma delta, but negative for CD4, CD8, CD57, TCR alpha beta and B-cell antigens. The cytotoxic molecules, T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) and granzyme B, were positive by immunocytochemical analysis. Southern blot analysis showed rearrangement of T-cell receptor J gamma and C beta genes but germline configuration of the JH gene. Neither serum antibody against human T-cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-I) nor the integration of HTLV-I proviral DNA was detected. CT scan showed splenomegaly but no lymph node enlargement. A diagnosis of gamma delta T-GLL was made, and she has been followed up without any therapies for more than 4 years.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement, delta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
  • Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / genetics*
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / pathology
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / genetics*
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / pathology

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta