A rare case of leukemia cutis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in an elderly patient

  • Anshu Gupta Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Delhi
  • Sadhana Tiwari Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Delhi
  • Tanima Dwivedi Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Delhi
Keywords: T cell, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Leukemia cutis, Hepato-splenomegaly

Abstract

Primary cutaneous involvement in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is rare in elderly patients. Here we present a case of 65 years old male admitted to a metropolitan tertiary care hospital because of maculo-papular lesions on chest and back for last 3 months as chief complaint along with on and off history of fever, fatigability and anorexia. On general examination, there was no lymphadenopathy. Per-abdomen examination revealed hepato-splenomegaly. CT scan of chest and abdomen showed para-tracheal, pre-tracheal, carinal, hilar and abdominal lymphadenopathy. Peripheral blood smear and bone marrow aspiration showed more than 80% of lymphoblasts. Flow cytometry of the bone marrow aspirate showed CD7, CD5, CD45 and TdT positivity indicating T–cell origin. Skin biopsy from maculo-papular lesion revealed secondary leukemic infiltration of the skin. Corroborating all the above findings, a final diagnosis of T-cell ALL with leukemia cutis was made. Thereafter patient was given chemotherapy and after one month, the skin lesions started resolving and total leukocyte count (TLC) decreased. One week later, skin lesions relapsed with fall in hemoglobin and rise in TLC. Repeat bone marrow aspirate showed 90% blasts cells. Then, patient was put on palliative therapy but his condition progressively deteriorated and ultimately died within four months of diagnosis.

Author Biographies

Anshu Gupta, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Delhi
Working as associate professor in department of pathology and Emergency Laboratory at Insittute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences Delhi.
Sadhana Tiwari, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Delhi
Working as senior residentr in department of Emergency Laboratory at Insittute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences Delhi.
Tanima Dwivedi, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Delhi
Working as senior residentr in department of Emergency Laboratory at Insittute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences Delhi.

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Published
2016-10-03
Section
Case Report