Polyclonal B lymphocytosis

This rare, little known and recently discovered (1982) affects almost exclusively young women Great Smoky (20 pack-years).

There is a moderate lymphocytosis with a polyclonal increase in B lymphocytes

A HLA DR7 is associated almost constantly (see HLA AND CERTAIN DISEASES

and an increase in IgM (see SERUM IGM) and a particular cytogenetic anomaly. the isochromosome 3q, sometimes with trisomy 3 in about two-thirds of parents.

A large karyotypic instability (see KARYOTYPE) is noted and a syndrome of premature condensation of chromatin is often observed.

The role of tobacco remains unknown but lymphocytosis decreases during shutdown.

Genetic abnormalities persist.

This disease is considered benign but a transformation is possible in non-Hodgkin lymphoma which justifies prolonged haematological monitoring (see LYMPHOMA).