HTLV-I-ASSOCIATED ADULT T-CELL LEUKEMIA LYMPHOMA IN 2 PATIENTS FROM BUCHAREST, ROMANIA/

Two middle-aged patients with T cell lymphoma, both natives of Buchare st, Romania, tested positive for HTLV-I antibodies. Malignant cells ha d the typical phenotype and morphology of adult T cell leukemia/lympho ma (ATL). Both cases presented with extranodal manifestations, hyperca lcemia, early recurrence after initial responses to therapy, and subse quent resistance to conventional and intensified chemotherapy. Infecti on with HTLV-I was confirmed by PCR analyses of serial biopsies. Neith er patient reported known risk factors for HTLV-I infection. This repo rt points to the possibility that Romania may represent an endemic are a for HTLV-I and should heighten the awareness towards HTLV-I infectio ns in Romanian patients.