Case report. A 41-year-old man presented with anemia, lymphocytosis and
splenomegaly. T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia was diagnosed based
on lymphocytosis of T-cell large granular lymphocytes, characteristic
immunophenotype (CD3+, CD8+, CD16+, CD57+) of the lymphocytes and clonally
rearranged T-cell receptor genes. Therapy indication was
transfusion-dependent anemia. Initial cyclosporine therapy and low-dose
oral methotrexate failed to control anemia and lymphocytosis. Yet, a
complete clinical and hematological response (without molecular remission)
was achieved and sustained when cyclosporine was reintroduced into the
therapy. Conclusion. Our case confirms that cyclosporine therapy is
effective in treating T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia and suggests
that indefinite treatment may not be needed to maintain the response.
T-CELL LARGE GRANULAR LYMPHOCYTE LEUKEMIA: A CASE REPORT