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

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