Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Disseminated Cryptococcal Infection in Treatment-Naive Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

This case report highlights a rare occurrence of disseminated cryptococcal infection in an elderly male with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite lacking prior treatment for CLL, the patient presented with respiratory symptoms and was found to have Cryptococcus neoformans in blood cultures. Prompt initiation of antifungal therapy was crucial, although central nervous system involvement was absent. The case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in CLL patients, emphasizing the immunological vulnerabilities associated with the disease. Heightened awareness and early management are essential in addressing such opportunistic infections in this patient population.

A Systematic Review on the Prevention and Control of Opportunistic Infections in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Complicated by Richter's Transformation

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most commonly occurring types of leukemia among the elderly population, contributing to an increased vulnerability to infections that are especially prolific in the immunosuppressed and the risk of rapid progression of the disease into a more aggressive manifestation of large cell lymphoma, a process called Richter's Transformation (RT). CLL alone predisposes patients to develop infections; however, the additional complication of RT decreases survival and makes the prevention and control of infection for the CLL patient even more challenging. However, research that exists on preventing and controlling infection in CLL patients with RT is relatively limited. In most cases, studies have focused on the prevention of infection in CLL patients in general and with no reference to the progression of RT. Considering the dearth of research on infection prevention and control for patients with CLL complicated by RT specifically, the following review examines existing research in addressing the prevention and control of infection in CLL patients with RT and patients in general. The authors explored multiple databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The ultimate focus of this study was to lay a fundamental understanding in preventing and controlling infection in CLL patients. After analyzing several studies, it can be concluded that identifying infections, even if rare, is a crucial aspect of managing CLL patients. A broad range of differential diagnoses should be sought in cases presenting with refractory CLL as well and management of infections before, during, or after CLL treatment should be considered.