Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm with leukemic presentation, lacking cutaneous involvement: Case series and literature review

The diagnosis of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) can be challenging, owing to the absence of traditional lineage-specific markers, but is facilitated by CD4/CD56 co-expression and frequent skin involvement. Herein, we present our collective experiences with three BPDCN cases lacking cutaneous presentation and the inherent diagnostic pitfalls. Taken in context of similar historical cases, we suggest that BPDCN with leukemic presentation (L-BPDCN) otherwise presents no major distinguishing features and is at least as aggressive as its cutaneous-involved BPDCN counterpart. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.