Ann Dermatol.  1998 Oct;10(4):274-280. 10.5021/ad.1998.10.4.274.

A Case of Richter's Syndrome Showing the Transformation from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia to Diffuse Large B - cell Lymphoma

• Kim JW
• Kim KJ
• Kim JM
• Lee CJ

• KMID: 2359776
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.1998.10.4.274

Abstract

We herein report a case of Richters syndrome(RS) that was discovered following an investigation of a skin lesion. RS represents an acute transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL) to highly malignant large cell lymphoma such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL). RS is characterixed by abrupt B-symptoms, rapidly progressive lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, frequent extranodal involvement, hypercalcemia and an unfavorable clinical course. The patient is a 31-year-old male with skin lesions on his face. He had been previously diagnosed with CLL. At his presentation, CLL and DLBCL manifestly co-existed. Our multistage analysis suggested that DLBCL and CLL might arise from a different B-cell clone. He showed a poor clinical response to systemic chemotherapy.

Keyword

Richter's syndrome

MeSH Terms

Adult
B-Lymphocytes
Clone Cells
Drug Therapy
Humans
Hypercalcemia
Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell*
Lymphatic Diseases
Lymphoma*
Male
Skin