The clinical spectrum of hepatic manifestations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Publication date: Available online 23 July 2017 Source:Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia Author(s): Natalia Kreiniz, Ofrat Beyar Katz, Aaron Polliack, Tamar Tadmor Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the western world, characterized by the presence of long-lived circulating leukemic cells in the peripheral blood which may infiltrate all organs, particularly those of the reticulo- endothelial system. Liver enlargement and elevation of liver enzymes related to specific involvement by the underlying disease are well-recognized features in these patients. In CLL the differential diagnosis of liver disorders is broad and includes liver infiltration by leukemic cells, immunological manifestations associated with CLL, primary and secondary hepatic malignancies, drug induced hepatotoxicity, infections and Richter transformation. The above conditions can cause serious and even fatal complications such as acute liver failure. The aim of this study was to summarize all available published literature on hepatic manifestations encountered in CLL. This review contains sections on: liver enlargement due to leukemic infiltration, autoimmune – induced hepatic dysfunction, acute liver failure, drug induced liver toxicity and associated malignancies. High index of clinical suspicion and appropriate diagnostic evaluation, including liver biopsy in special circumstances are important for both accurate diagnosis and deciding on the most appropriate treatm...
Source: Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research