[Legionnaires' disease in hairy cell leukemia. 2 new cases]

Abstract

We report the cases of two patients who developed legionnaires' disease during the course of hairy cell leukaemia. The clinical features are described with special emphasis on the severity of illness in one patient and marked jaundice in both. These cases demonstrate the enhanced susceptibility to Legionella pneumophila infections in patients with hairy cell leukaemia. We therefore suggest a reevaluation of empiric antimicrobial treatment of pneumonia in such patients.