Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Question 1

Define chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Answer 1

monoclonal proliferation of well differentiated lymphocytes which are almost always B cells.

Question 2

epidemiology of CLL?

Answer 2

• 90% are > 50 yrs

* More common in MALES

Question 3

presenting symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia?

Answer 3

•	Asymptomatic
•     Lymphadenopathy 
•	Splenomegaly
•	Systemic Symptoms: 
o	Lethargy 
o	Malaise 
o	Night sweats 
o	Anorexia and weight loss 
•	Symptoms of Bone Marrow Failure

Question 4

what is a complication of CLL?

Answer 4

• CLL can transform into high grade lymphoma (a type of non-hodgkins) as part of Richter’s transformation
- Signs of NEW B symptoms

Question 5

what will blood show?

Answer 5

• Lymphocytosis

* Low Hb

Question 6

what will the blood film show?

Answer 6

• shows smear cells

- small/medium sized lymphocytes

Question 7

gold standard investigation for CLL?

Answer 7

• immunophenotyping