Small cell variant of anaplastic large cell lymphoma with leukemic presentation: a diagnostic challenge

Leukemic Presentation of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge Mimicking T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia

“…In our cases, the leukocytosis was elevated to 118 × 10 9 /L. Extensive extranodal involvement is often reported in leukemic-phase ALCL, and central nervous system may be involved 9 …”

“…Leukemic involvement of ALCL is extremely rare, and to date, fewer than 40 well-documented cases have been reported in the literature 5–9 . Most leukemic cases are ALK + , and approximately 80% are associated with the t(2;5)(p23;q35) 7 .…”

“…Leukemic involvement of ALCL is extremely rare, and to date, fewer than 40 well-documented cases have been reported in the literature. [5][6][7][8][9] Most leukemic cases are ALK + , and approximately 80% are associated with the t(2;5)(p23;q35). 7 There have also been reports of ALK − ALCL with leukemic involvement, including a recent case series of 9 cases.…”

“…Extensive extranodal involvement is often reported in leukemic-phase ALCL, and central nervous system may be involved. 9 The leukemic phase of ALK + ALCL is most often associated with the small-cell variant of ALCL. 7,10,11 In the lymph node, this morphologic pattern shows a predominance of small cells, admixed with rare hallmark cells, and can be misdiagnosed as peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified.…”