Leukemic pleural effusion in B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia

The occurrence of leukemic pleural effusion is a rare complication in chron ic lymphocytic leukemia and has not been reported in B cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL). We report a case of pleural effusion revealing a B-PLL. T he diagnosis was made on the cytological and immunological characteristics of cells in the blood and pleural effusion. This patient was treated with f ludarabine and was in complete remission after three courses. This observat ion may have clinical implications for the use of new adenoside nucleotide analogues in symptomatic B-PLL.