Thoracic Complications in Chronic Lymphocytic  Leukemia

Conclusion Thoracic manifestations in CLL are common among hospitalized patients. Although infectious pneumonia remains most common, unusual or opportunistic infections may be increasing, and direct lung damage owing to CLL itself or to newer biologic agents are being diagnosed with lung tissue sampling. Recognition of these complications will allow earlier diagnosis, which may change management including removal of offending biologic agents or augmentation of treatment for CLL when infiltrative leukemic cells are present. Micro-Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia. Patients with CLL often present with pulmonary symptoms and diagnoses. We performed a retrospective, single-center chart review evaluating all patients with CLL admitted with a thoracic symptom or diagnosis. Although pneumonia is frequent, there are an increasing number of noninfectious complications, which often require lower respiratory tract sampling.
Source: Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research