Background: It is reported that the percentage of smudge cells in the blood smear could be a prognostic indicator in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, the clinical significance of smudge cells in other hematological malignancies, solid tumors or non-malignant diseases is less clear.
Do smudge cells always mean CLL?
While smudge cells are not diagnostic of CLL, it has been shown that, in newly diagnosed CLL, a larger percentage of smudge cells is a better prognostic factor. Patients with >30% smudge cells show longer times before requiring treatment and longer survival rates than patients with fewer smudge cells.
Can an infection cause smudge cells?
Abstract. The smudge cells are well studied as a prognostic factor for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but it is also found in viral infections. We experienced a case of abnormal hyperleukocytosis (WBC 41,600/mm3) associated with infectious mononucleosis (IM).
What type of leukemia has smudge cells?
Abstract. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most commonly encountered leukemia in the clinical laboratory. Cytoskeletal defects in CLL lymphocytes can result in the formation of up to 75% smudge cells (SCs) during blood film preparation.
Why would smudge cells be present?
Smudge cells are remnants of cells that lack any identifiable cytoplasmic membrane or nuclear structure. Smudge cells, also called basket cells, are most often associated with abnormally fragile lymphocytes in disorders such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Can you have smudge cells and not have leukemia?
Lymphocytosis with Smudge Cells Is Not Equivalent to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
What WBC count indicates leukemia?
At the time of diagnosis, patients can have very, very high white blood cell counts. Typically a healthy person has a white blood cell count of about 4,000-11,000. Patients with acute or even chronic leukemia may come in with a white blood cell count up into the 100,000-400,000 range.
What does it mean when Burr cells are present?
The presence of cells called burr cells may indicate: Abnormally high level of nitrogen waste products in the blood (uremia)
What percentage of lymphocytes indicates leukemia?
To be diagnosed with CLL, there must be at least 5,000 monoclonal lymphocytes (per mm3) in the blood. For it to be called SLL, the patient must have enlarged lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen with fewer than 5 ,000 lymphocytes (per mm3) in the blood.
Does lymphocytosis lead to leukemia?
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) causes an increased number of one type of lymphocyte (B cells) in the blood. For a small number of people with MBL , the condition may develop into chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Is lymphocytosis the same as CLL?
People with CLL may have very high white blood cell counts because of excess numbers of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis), but the leukemia cells don’t fight infection the way normal white blood cells do.
What is CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (also called CLL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that usually gets worse slowly. CLL is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults.
Are Burr cells normal?
Burr cells, also known as echinocytes, have a speculated border over the entire cell surface. Burr cells are commonly found in both end-stage renal disease and liver disease. In our study, Burr cells were found in 80% of healthy individuals although the numbers of cells are very small.
