[Cytochemical detection of lymphocyte 5'-nucleotidase in chronic lymphatic leukemia]. / Detección citoquímica de la 5'nucleotidasa linfocitaria en la leucemia linfática crónica.

5'-Nucleotidase is a degrading purine ectoenzyme acting at alkaline pH. It is located in both B and T lymphocytes and its study is of interest in chronic lymphoproliferative diseases. The present work compiles the cytochemical study of lymphocyte 5'-nucleotidase in a control group consisting of 277 haematologically normal subjects and a series of 77 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients; phenotypic studies had been carried out in 40 of these last. The results were expressed as percentage of 5'-nucleotidase positive lymphocytes, and the value (means +/- SD) for the control group was 25 +/- 7, that of the CLL group being 10.7 +/- 18.12. Increased lymphocyte 5'-nucleotidase was present in a minority of the cases (13%), but the significance of this finding is unknown and unrelated to any clinical or cytomorphological data. Although lacking any statistical value, those B-CLL lymphocytes expressing surface IgM and IgD (thus being more mature cells) showed higher 5'-nucleotidase values than those cells expressing only IgM. This finding suggests that a given lymphocytic population would be more immature the lower 5'-nucleotidase value it may express. The incorporation of 5'-nucleotidase determination into the cytochemical study of CLL is encouraged as it is frequently decreased in this disease; at the same time, the enzyme may provide some information on the maturity of the leukaemic population involved.

[Pseudohemopathy caused by rhabdomyosarcoma]. / Seudohemopatía por rabdomiosarcoma.

A 26-year-old male with a primary rhabdomyosarcoma of maxillary sinus is reported. The tumor was initially mistaken for an anaplastic Ki-1 positive anaplastic lymphoma in the histological preparation, owing to its high indifferentiation degree. After a smear study it was categorized as IEA, and chemotherapy of CHOP type was started; after two courses, local telecobalt therapy was given. After this was completed, the disease showed a progression, involving the bone marrow and resulting in clinical and cytological features consistent with acute leukemia. At that time we saw the patient for the first time. He is presently in complete remission after having started polychemotherapy of CVADIC type. After a commentary on the major study steps that led to the diagnosis, the crucial role of electron microscopy and, particularly, immunocytology for the correct identification of anaplastic tumors is emphasized.