Adult T-cell leukemia laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Haytham Allaham, M.D. [2]; Grammar Reviewer: Natalie Harpenau, B.S.[3]

Overview

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of adult T-cell leukemia include abnormal anemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated lymphocyte count. Hypercalcemia is a key feature among patients with adult T-cell leukemia.

Laboratory Findings

The following laboratory abnormalities may be observed in patients suffering from adult T-cell leukemia:^[1]^[2]^[3]

Complete Blood Count

Basic Metabolic Panel

Hypercalcemia

Peripheral Smear

Characteristic leukemia cells with sharp nuclear indentations and a prominent nucleoli
“Cloverleaf” or “flower” cells

Antibody Titres

Detects antibodies present against HTLV antigens

Immunohistochemistry

Adult T-cell leukemia cells are typically CD2, CD4, CD5, and CD8 positive.

References

↑ Matutes E (2007) Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma. J Clin Pathol 60 (12):1373-7. DOI:10.1136/jcp.2007.052456 PMID: 18042693
↑ Shimoyama M (1991). “Diagnostic criteria and classification of clinical subtypes of adult T-cell leukaemia-lymphoma. A report from the Lymphoma Study Group (1984-87)”. Br J Haematol. 79 (3): 428–37. PMID 1751370.
↑ Mahieux R, Gessain A (2007). “Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-1”. Curr Hematol Malig Rep. 2 (4): 257–64. doi:10.1007/s11899-007-0035-x. PMID 20425378.

[pmid18042693-1] Matutes E (2007) Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma. J Clin Pathol 60 (12):1373-7. DOI:10.1136/jcp.2007.052456 PMID: 18042693

[pmid1751370-2] Shimoyama M (1991). “Diagnostic criteria and classification of clinical subtypes of adult T-cell leukaemia-lymphoma. A report from the Lymphoma Study Group (1984-87)”. Br J Haematol. 79 (3): 428–37. PMID 1751370.

[pmid20425378-3] Mahieux R, Gessain A (2007). “Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-1”. Curr Hematol Malig Rep. 2 (4): 257–64. doi:10.1007/s11899-007-0035-x. PMID 20425378.

[1]

[2]

[3]