Abstract: Science Set Journal of Medical and Clinical Case Studies

Abstract:
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare and highly aggressive post-thymic T-cell neoplasm that accounts for approximately 2% of adult leukemias1. Its clinical presentation often overlaps with more common lymphoid malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), making early diagnosis challenging. T-PLL often presents with three primary symptoms, which include swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, and elevated white blood cell counts [1]. In several instances, T-PLLs develop promyelocytic characteristics which make these infrequent morphologic variants challenging to diagnose because they share similarities with DLBCL, CLL and AML. We present a case of a 60-year-old man with T-PLL that initially presented as acute left upper quadrant pain for two days and was suspected to have CLL. This case highlights the diagnostic overlap of T-PLL and CLL and emphasizes the need for early recognition and treatment. Its importance stems from disease’s aggressiveness and rarity, its morphological and clinical overlap with CLL, and the challenges of treating an older patient.