COVID-19 in a Patient with Newly Diagnosed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): A Case Report

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common hematologic neoplasms leading to immunosuppression. It is characterized by absolute lymphocytosis with clonality of mature B cells. Therefore, they are vulnerable to various infections especially COVID-19. Little is known about the COVID-19 infection when it unmasks CLL.We reported a 90-year-old man who presented with signs and symptoms of anorexia, weakness, and loss of consciousness, and lymphocytosis which in further workup COVID-19 confirmed with real-time PCR. Due to lymphocytosis, peripheral blood smear (PBS) and flow cytometry were performed and CLL was diagnosed. His lymphocyte count increased to 1.5-fold during hospitalization.The patient recovered after 11 days as the symptoms were alleviated.Lymphocytosis is an unexpected finding in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, and an increase in lymphocytes may indicate other conditions. In these cases, secondary causes of lymphocytosis, such as malignancy or other infections, should be considered

COVID-19 in patients with anemia and haematological malignancies: risk factors, clinical guidelines, and emerging therapeutic approaches

“…However, chemotherapy in CLL and COVID-19 cases remains controversial, as it may increase the risk of cardiotoxicity, SARS-CoV-2-induced immunodeficiency, and prognosis [ 143 ]. To minimize treatment-induced immunodeficiency and drug interactions, it is therefore best to avoid chemotherapy in patients with comorbid CLL and COVID-19 [ 144 , 145 ].…”