Chronic lymphocytic leukemia with central nervous involvement in the form of localized mass responding to therapy with fludarabine

TURGUT B., PAMUK G. E., TURGUT N., Demir M.

Yeni Symposium, cilt.45, sa.2, ss.80-83, 2007 (Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 45 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2007
  • Dergi Adı: Yeni Symposium
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.80-83
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, CNS involvement, Fludarabine
  • Trakya Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

We report a extremely rare case of involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in the form of a localized mass by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with dysartria. Cranial computed tomography (CT) revealed a left frontal mass. He had generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Examination of peripheral blood smear and finding of immunophenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were consistent with the diagnosis of B-cell CLL. His disease had a agrresive outcome. Cranial RT was applied and then fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide (FC) were begun. After this treatment, peripheral blood lymphocytosis and all the palpable lymph nodes disappeared. Three months after diagnosis, there was nearly complete regression of the mass on cranial magnetic resonance imaging. After six courses of FC, the patient is still alive and he is in complete remission two years after diagnosis. This case shows that CLL might be complicated by brain involvement in the form of a localized mass. Fludarabine seems effective in controlling this form of CLL.