Chronic lymphocytic leukemia with central nervous system invasion: one case report and literature review

Abstract

To investigate clinical features, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis in a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with central nervous system (CNS) invasion. The cellular morphology of bone marrow, cytology and flow cytometry of cells in CSF, and radiographic manifestations were detected in a patient diagnosed as CLL with CNS invasion. The clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis,therapy, and prognosis of CLL with CNS invasion were reviewed by literatures. A clonal population of B lymphocytes with typical characteristics of immunophenotype was identified in the patient. After treated with intrathecal chemotherapy, the patient returned to normal cells count of cerebrospinal fluid and normal neurologic status. Previous studies also have demonstrated the efficacy of intrathecal chemotherapy. CNS invasion is a rare complication of CLL. Early detection and treatment may result in better outcomes.