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Rare reports describe RT presenting as plasmablastic lymphoma or myeloma. In this scenario, complete clinicopathological evaluation is critical to correctly classify the atypical transformation, and demonstration of a clonal relationship with precursor CLL is essential to confirm RT. Herein, we present a case of CLL with plasmablastic RT diagnosed on pleural effusion. The rarity of this phenomenon, compounded by aberrant expression of markers of epithelial differentiation, posed a significant diagnostic challenge. The unusual presentation in our case emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach integrating clinical, morphologic, phenotypic, and molecular data to avoid misclassification and to guide appropriate clinical management.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1155\/crip\/5618071","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,1]],"date-time":"2026-10-01T10:31:53Z","timestamp":1790850713000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Plasmablastic Richter Transformation of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia With Aberrant Epithelial Marker Expression Presenting as a Pleural Effusion: A Diagnostic Challenge"],"prefix":"10.1155","volume":"2026","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0000-9387-7634","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Jamie","family":"Rogers","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Departments of Pathology and Malignant Hematology H. 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