Cytoplasmic inclusions and X-ray microprobe analysis in a case of prolymphocytic leukemia

A patient with prolymphocytic leukemia is described. The peripheral blood and bone-marrow cells contained nuclear pockets, bridges, and appendices, as well as cytoplasmic inclusions that were not membrane bound or connected with the endoplasmic reticulum. X-ray microanalysis of the cells showed them to contain large amounts of phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, and calcium, as well as a smaller amount of sodium and magnesium in comparison with control lymphocytes. When compared with lymphocytes of a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the patient's cells showed higher amounts of magnesium, sulfur, and chlorine, while the sodium content was decreased. The usefulness of electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis in the diagnosis of this type of leukemia is discussed.