The smudge cells are well studied as a prognostic factor for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but it is also found in viral infections. We experienced a case of abnormal hyperleukocytosis (WBC 41,600/mm3) associated with infectious mononucleosis (IM). The smudge cells were observed in peripheral blood smears, and were counted by mistake for the normal lymphocytes by the automatic blood count meter.
Keywords: Hyperleukocytosis; Infectious mononucleosis; Smudge cell.
© 2021 The Authors.