T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia is a clonal proliferation of cytotoxic large granular T cells positive for CD3 and CD8. It is a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder with an indolent course. Therapeutic options include observation and low dose chemotherapy. Rarely, they have an aggressive course. Such cases have expression of NK cell associated antigens like CD56 in the T cells. These cases require more aggressive therapy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia regimens. We report a case of fatal CD56 negative T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia in a 38 year old lady.
Keywords: Aggressive variant; CD56 negative; Large granular lymphocytes.