Hairy cell leukemia-variant--a case report.

ABSTRACT

Hairy-cell leukemia-variant (HCL-V) is a rare B-cell disorder which accountsfor 10% of HCL cases. The main features are splenomegaly, lymphocytosis and cytopenias without monocytopenia. The circulating cells have a morphology intermediate between prolymphocytes and hairy cells. The immunophenotype shows a mature B-cell phenotype with expression of B-cell antigens CD11c and CD103 but unlike typical hairy cell the cells are negative for CD25. The histology of bone marrow and spleen shows a pattern of infiltration similar to that in HCL. We present a case of HCL-V in a 66-year-old male. The bone marrow findings, immunophenotypic profile and electron microscopic features are described. The patient underwent splenectomy which also revealed infiltration by leukemia. Patients are resistant to alkylating agents and alpha-interferon (á-IFN). Splenectomy may be beneficial for long-lasting partial responses in some of the patients and is a good palliative treatment.