VASCULITIDES IN HAIRY-CELL LEUKEMIA

Forty-two cases of vasculitis coincident with hairy cell leukemia (HCL ) have been reported, of which 17 had panarteritis nodosa (PAN), 21 ha d cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV), and 4 had vessel wall i nfiltration by hairy cells. PAN generally occurred after the diagnosis of HCL, splenectomy, and infection. HBs antigen was detected in 3 of 12 patients tested, whereas immune complexes were positive in 3 of 4 p atients tested. LCV was often preceded by infection and was frequently detected before HCL. Serum immunoglobulin levels were generally eleva ted when measured. Cryoglobulins, complement, rheumatoid factor, and a ntinuclear antibodies showed no clear association with vasculitis in H CL. These reports suggest a role for infection and splenectomy as cont ributing factors to vasculitis. (C) 1995 by W.B. Saunders Company