Myasthenic syndrome and oligoclonal lymphocytosis: evolution into chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Ann Hematol. 1998 Jan;76(1):45-7. doi: 10.1007/s002770050360.

Abstract

We report a patient with myasthenic syndrome who, 2 years after diagnosis, developed an oligoclonal lymphocytosis. This disorder was sustained by both kappa+ and lambda+ CD5+ B-cell clones; over the following year, the white blood cell count increased and phenotypic characterization revealed a clear imbalance in the immunoglobulin light chain ratio (84% kappa+). Accordingly, persistence of a kappa+ B-cell clone was disclosed by molecular analysis of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements. Our results may suggest that prolonged immune system stimulation due to an autoimmune disease can drive a benign lymphoproliferation into a B-cell neoplastic process.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Blotting, Southern
  • Clone Cells / cytology
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics
  • Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome / complications*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / etiology*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / genetics
  • Lymphocytosis / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains