The γδ variant of T cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia is very similar to the common αβ type: report of two cases

The vast majority of cases of T cell large granular lymphocyte (T-LGL) leukemia have a CD3+, CD4−, CD8+ phenotype and express the αβ T cell receptor. Whether the rare γδ variant should be included in the same diagnostic category is currently unclear. Two well-characterized cases of γδ T-LGL leukemia were identified by our laboratory in 2007. These two cases and other reports of γδ T-LGL leukemia were compared with the common αβ variant. Other than more often being negative for both CD4 and CD8 (in about 35% to 40% of cases), the γδ variant of T-LGL leukemia is similar to the common αβ type in virtually all respects and should be included in the general category of T-LGL leukemia. However, it is important to exclude other more aggressive γδ T cell lymphoproliferative disorders.