Diarrheic syndrome as a clinical sign of intestinal infiltration in progressive B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Leuk Res. 2009 Jan;33(1):159-61. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2008.03.023. Epub 2008 May 5.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal involvement is a rare event in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and is usually associated to lymphomatous transformation. However, in autopsy studies the reported incidence of microscopic infiltration can reach up to 50% of cases. Seven B-CLL patients in advanced stage/progressive disease were evaluated by colonoscopy because of continuous diarrhea. Five out of seven patients (71%) presented histological evidence of colonic infiltration. Persistent diarrhea in patients with progressive/advanced B-CLL can be a clinical sign of intestinal infiltration and justifies endoscopic examinations.

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Diarrhea / complications*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / complications*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / pathology