T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia and Coexisting B-Cell Lymphomas: A Study From the Bone Marrow Pathology Group

Abstract

Objective: T-cell large granular lymphocytic (T-LGL) leukemia is associated with B-cell lymphomas (BCLs), especially small BCLs. We aimed to explore and expand upon its association with BCLs.

Methods: We retrospectively studied clinicopathologic features of T-LGL leukemia patients with coexisting BCL from January 2001 to December 2016.

Results: Among 432 patients with T-LGL leukemia, 22 (5.1%) had an associated B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Thirteen (59%) patients had large and nine (41%) had small BCL. T-LGL leukemia occurred synchronously with BCL in five, preceded BCL in three, and followed BCL in 14 patients. Anemia was the most common cytopenia (68%). Only one patient had a history of rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first multicenter study looking at the spectrum and incidence of BCLs in patients with T-LGL leukemia and highlights its association with large BCLs (3% of T-LGL leukemias).

Keywords: B-cell lymphoma; Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; T-LGL leukemia.