An uncommon cause of dysuria solved by "boom-boom" radiotherapy

Abstract

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a common disease affecting the hematopoietic organs. The disease remains classically indolent for years preceding a blast crisis. However, the disease can affect all parts of the body. We report here an unusual localization.

Case presentation: A 72-year-old man was followed for 2 years for an indolent chronic lymphocytic leukaemia while he presented a rapidly progressive dysuria. Prostate biopsies were performed concluding to a prostate involvement by the chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. In the absence of progression according to RAI staging system and Binet's classification, he was treated with local low-dose radiotherapy, twice 2 Gy, allowing for a rapid resolution of the symptoms. No systemic treatment was introduced, and 1 year after the completion of his treatment, he is still under watchful waiting strategy for his chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Conclusion: Low-dose radiotherapy is an underused effective strategy in indolent lymphoma. In this case, urinary symptoms from a prostate involvement were relieved non-invasively at low cost.

Keywords: CLL; Dysuria; Dysurie; La radiothérapie de faible dose; Leucémie lymphoïde chronique; Low-dose radiotherapy; Prostate.