Abstract
A case of T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (T-CLL) showing surface markers of OKT11+, OKT3-, OKT4-, OKT8- and OKM1- is reported. Electron microscopic study revealed that the leukemic cells had nuclear convolution, well-developed hetero-chromatins and cluster of dense bodies, indicating that the cells were mature T cells in morphology. The leukemic cells lacked helper and suppressor function for B cell differentiation and the induction of allo-reactive killer T cells was unsuccessful. Also the cells lacked natural killer function and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The onset of the disease was visual disturbance and the cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage. An autopsy disclosed the diffuse infiltration of leukemic cells within the optic nerves and around the cerebral vessels.
As far as we know, thi is the first report of T-CLL having the adove-mentioned surface markers and the diffuse cerebral infiltration of leukemic cells.
