DISTINCT SUBTYPE WITHIN THE SPECTRUM OF HAIRY-CELL LEUKEMIA

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 54  (2) , 459-467
Abstract
Most cases of hairy cell leukemia represent malignancies of B [bone marrow derived] cells. Recent findings suggest that there is a spectrum of functional capacities within the entity hairy cell leukemia. Two patients with hairy cell leukemia, whose malignant cells in the peripheral blood showed T [thymus derived] and B cell features, are reported. The malignant cells of the spleens showed only B cell characteristics. The hairy cells of both patients did not adhere to glass and lacked the la antigen. Both patients showed pronounced polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia and developed frank leukemic blood pictures after splenectomy. Within the spectrum of hairy cell leukemia, these 2 cases probably represent a distinct subtype.