Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Flashcards
What type of cells proliferate in CLL?
Well-differentiated lymphocytes, usually B-lymphocytes, involve blood and lymph nodes
Who is most commonly affected by CLL?
Adults over 55 years; it is the most common leukemia in adults
What are the common symptoms of CLL?
Often asymptomatic; may present with infections, anaemia, bleeding, or weight loss
What are “B symptoms” in CLL?
Night sweats, fever, and weight loss
What autoimmune condition is associated with CLL?
Warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
(positive Direct Antibody/Coombs’ test)
What infection is commonly seen in CLL patients?
Community-acquired pneumonia.
What autoimmune abnormalities may occur if Hb is normal in CLL?
Autoimmune cytopenia
Autoimmune haemolysis
Autoimmune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
What are typical findings on blood count in CLL?
- Normal or low Hb
- Increased WCC (may be very high)
- Normal or low platelets.
What does a blood film show in CLL?
Lymphocytosis (>5×10⁹/L) and smudge cells
What is Richter transformation in CLL?
The transformation of low-grade (chronic) CLL to high-grade (acute) lymphoma, like DLBCL
What markers are detected in immunophenotyping for CLL?
Mainly CD19/20 and CD5 B cells with weak surface immunoglobulins
What cytogenetic abnormality is most common in CLL?
Deletion of 13q
What test is positive in warm autoimmune haemolysis associated with CLL?
Coombs’ test
What happens to immunoglobulin levels in CLL?
They may be low or normal
How is asymptomatic CLL managed?
No treatment is required
