Richter syndrome
Synonyms
1
Overview
A rare but serious form of acute adult leukemia. The disease occurs when chronic lymphocytic leukemia transforms into diffuse large cell lymphoma which is a fast-growing form of lymphoma. The condition tends to be more common in older adults.
Symptoms
Fever Weight loss Loss of muscle mass Increased serum lactate dehydrogenase Enlarge lymph nodes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by examining blood cells under microscope and by a bone marrow biopsy. This is the same test used to diagnose CLL. A small amount of bone marrow from one of the flat bones is drawn out with a needle for laboratory examination. In some cases, lymph nodes are also removed and examined in the laboratory.