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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia of the Aortic Valve: A Case Report
Internal Medicine
  • Marie-Louise Posch, HCA Healthcare
  • Sean-Patrick A Prince, HCA Healthcare
  • Kevin Thompson, HCA Healthcare
  • Fagun Modi, HCA Healthcare
  • Jeffery Jordan, HCA Healthcare
Division
West Florida
Hospital
Citrus Memorial Hospital
Document Type
Case Report
Publication Date
1-6-2021
Keywords
  • chronic lymphocytic leukemia,
  • CLL,
  • aorta
Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the chronic accumulation of mature B-cell lymphocytes in the bone marrow. CLL accounts for approximately one-quarter of new leukemia cases each year and is the most common leukemia in Western countries. Most notably, this leukemia involves the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver, whereas non-lymphoid tissue is seldom associated with CLL infiltration. A large percentage of patients are asymptomatic at presentation; however, for those who are symptomatic, lymphadenopathy is the most common presenting complaint. This is the case of a 75-year-old Caucasian male with CLL on ibrutinib who presented with chest pressure and worsening shortness of breath. The patient underwent cardiac catheterization, which revealed demonstrable aortic stenosis. His aortic valve was subsequently replaced, and tissue was sent for histochemical analysis. Stains were positive for CD20, BCL2, CD5, and CD23, compatible with the CLL of the valve. To be able to investigate those with a known leukemic disease in patients with valvular disease would be beneficial to clinicians as CLL can present in atypical locations.

Publisher or Conference
Cureus
Citation Information
Posch M, Prince S A, Thompson K, et al. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia of the Aortic Valve: A Case Report. Cureus. 2021 Jan;13(1):e12517. doi:10.7759/cureus.12517