Abstract
Introduction: Richter’s transformation is a deadly complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) associated with high mortality. This transformation involves the development of an aggressive, diffuse large B cell lymphoma in the setting of a chronic, underlying case of CLL. Although it is rare, Richter’s transformation is important to identify in patients with a history of CLL because of its significant mortality if left untreated. In the setting of CLL, there are many ways in which patients can present if they are currently undergoing a Richter’s transformation. Case Description: Patients may present with symptoms common to CLL which include but are not limited to fatigue, easy bruising, weight loss, etc., or they may present more unusually, as in the case that will be presented here: with altered mental status, fall, hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury (AKI). Discussion: With the current state of affairs due to COVID-19, it is also important to recognize the potential complications of patients with this disease state that are positive for COVID-19, leading to further complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Recognizing these patients, and directing their care appropriately is important for their disease progression and outlook.
Recommended Citation
Rainone GJ, Reznik OE, Hamid Y, Popa A, Pargament R. Richter Transformation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Hypercalcemia and Acute Kidney Injury Presenting as Altered Mental Status: A Case Report. Transformative Medicine. 2022; 1(3):61-63. doi: https://doi.org/10.54299/tmed/obrv2274.