Korean Society of Thoracic Radiology
The Korean Radiological Society
Chief Complaints: cough and whitish sputum
Two years ago, he received chemotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Findings
Chest PA shows multiple, relatively well-marginated
variable sized nodules scattering in both lung fields. CT scan reveals
multiple enhancing nodules in both lungs. Some nodules contain air-bronchogram.
Discussion
Several abnormalities may be seen at chest imaging
in leukemic patients. These can be divided into three categories: (1) leukemic
infiltration of the lungs or pleura, (2) intrathoracic lymph node enlargement
caused by leukemia, (3) noneoplastic complications of leukemia or its treatment,
notably pulmonary infection, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, drug
reactions. When diffuse shadowing was present, the shadowing was highly
likely to represent pneumonia or hemorrhage. Focal shadows may represent
a variety of pathologic conditions, including infarction, neoplasm, hemorrhage,
and granulomatous infection.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL) is a lymphoproliferative
disorder characterized by the proliferation of small, mature-appearing
lymphocytes, usually of B-cell type. CLL may evolve into large cell lymphoma(Richter¡¯s
syndrome), prolymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and myeloma.
In the case of Richter¡¯s syndrome, the lymphoma may occur as a result
of malignant transformation of the CLL cells or, alternatively, it may
represent a second malignancy arising from a clone of cells distinct from
the CLL cells.
The most common radiological appearance of pulmonary
lymphoma is poorly defined consolidation and air-bronchogram. Less common
radiographic patterns include nodules, diffuse bilateral air space consolidation,
and segmental or lobar atelectasis. Nodules can be cavitate. Involvement
of pulmonary lymphatics can produce interlobular septal thickening.
References
1. Wetzler M, Kurzrock R, Goodacre AM, McLaughlin P, Ku S, Talpaz M.Transformation
of chronic lymphocytic leukemia to lymphoma of true histiocytic type. Cancer.
1995;76(4):609-617.
2. Armstrong P, Wilson AG, Dee P, Hansell DM. Imaging of diseases of
the chest. 2nd ed. pp336- 339.