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Localized herpes simplex lymphadenitis mimicking large‐cell (Richter's) transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
Author(s) -
Joseph Lija,
Scott Margie A.,
Schichman Steven A.,
Zent Clive S.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.10006
Subject(s) - chronic lymphocytic leukemia , medicine , lymph node , lymphoma , pathology , biopsy , lymph node biopsy , leukemia , immunology
We report a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who presented with rapid enlargement of a cervical lymph node due to localized herpes simplex lymphadenitis, which was clinically indistinguishable from large cell (Richter's) transformation. The diagnosis was made by excisional lymph node biopsy, which demonstrated CLL/SLL and zonal necrosis due to herpes simplex infection. The herpetic zone was surrounded by a brisk proliferation of immunoblasts. This case demonstrates the need for excisional biopsy and histologic examination of rapidly enlarging nodes in patients with CLL/SLL. The diagnosis of herpes simplex lymphadenitis in patients with CLL/SLL is especially important because, unlike large cell transformation, the infection usually responds well to treatment. Am. J. Hematol. 68:287–291, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.