Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome: a benign histiocytic proliferation distinct from malignant histiocytosis

A case of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis with bone marrow and skin involvement

We report a case of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) with bone marrow extension in a 29-year-old male in which many large mononuclear cells infiltrated the bone marrow and mimicked malignant lymphoma. A lymph node biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of HNL. Immunohistologically, the infiltrating cells in the bone marrow were positive for lysozyme, LeuM1, Kp-1 and T-cell markers. The cells did not show haemophagocytosis. A skin biopsy from an accompanying facial skin rash revealed a proliferation of large cells similar to those observed in affected foci of the lymph node in subcutaneous tissue. The infiltrating cells were mainly lysozyme and Kp-1-positive histiocytes, some with phagocytosis of nuclear debris but none characteristic of haemophagocytosis. Transformed T-cells were also infiltrating.

Clinicopathological spectrum of Epstein-Barr virus-associated T cell malignancies

It has been recently demonstrated that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can infect human thymocytes and may be involved in the T cell neoplasms, in addition to African Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Hodgkin's disease. Four distinct clinicopathologic categories of EBV-associated T cell malignancies have been recognized. The angiocentric T cell lymphoma or lymphomatoid granulomatosis involving the nose (or midline lethal granuloma) and skin is frequently EBV-associated. The other 3 groups include angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy-like lymphoma, node-based T immunoblastic lymphoma which may contain Reed-Sternberg-like giant cells (Hodgkin's-like lymphoma), and T cell lymphoma resembling malignant histiocytosis. Both the CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets, and a hitherto undefined T lineage lacking CD4/CD8 expression have been involved. The common clinical features are prolonged fever, skin lesions, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. Serologic assays suggest that a chronic active EBV infection may exist in most of these patients. The EBV genomes appear to proliferate in clonal and episomal form in the neoplastic cells which show expression of latent membrane proteins. Although an indolent local phase may exist, the clinical course is aggressive for most patients with frequent development of drug resistance to conventional chemotherapy. EBV-associated T cell lymphoma constitutes a separate entity of virus-associated human diseases and opens a potential field to investigate the pathogenesis of EBV-associated human malignancies.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome in a black child

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is an uncommon genetic disorder with a constellation of clinical, pathologic, and immunologic manifestations. It is rarely reported in blacks. Pathognomonic intracellular inclusions in white blood cells are well recognized; however, characteristic abnormal melanin aggregation into giant melanosomes also occurs, as can be readily seen by histologic evaluation of hair. We present a case of CHS in a black child.

Histiocytic sarcoma in an aging gerbil

A histiocytic sarcoma in an aging female gerbil is described. The neoplasm primarily involved the spleen and liver, and these organs were considered the primary sites of neoplastic origin. No neoplastic infiltration was noted in the uterus or ovaries as is commonly seen in the female mouse. This is the first report of histiocytic sarcoma in gerbils.

Splenic involvement by aggressive malignant lymphomas of B-cell and T-cell types. A morphologic and immunophenotypic study

To determine whether there are any consistent morphologic differences between B-cell and T-cell aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the spleen, the authors analyzed 16 spleens involved by mixed cell (1 case) or large cell (15 cases) lymphomas. Immunologic data were derived from cell suspensions or frozen tissue in each case. Five cases had a T-cell phenotype, and 11 were B-cell. Morphologic features favoring a T-cell phenotype included epithelioid histiocytic reactions, confinement of the lymphomas to the splenic T-zones (periarteriolar lymphoid sheath and marginal zone), and clear cell or polymorphous cytologic features. Features favoring a B-cell phenotype included multiple discrete nodules in the white pulp, large coalescent tumor nodules in association with small lymphocytic lymphoma, and large non-cleaved or immunoblastic plasmacytoid cytologic characteristics. Four cases were unusual because most neoplastic large cells were distributed diffusely or formed only small aggregates in the red pulp without definite tumor masses or nodules involving the white pulp. Because of this distribution and the frequently encountered erythrophagocytosis by benign-appearing histiocytes, these cases resembled malignant histiocytosis. A T-cell phenotype was predicted for all four cases; however, only one case, a lymphoma with polymorphous cytologic characteristics, was of T-cell lineage. The other three cases were of B-cell lineage. The authors' results indicate that in most instances the B-cell or T-cell nature of aggressive splenic lymphomas is predictable from the distributional and cytologic features. As in lymph nodes, there are cases for which the morphologic characteristics of B-cell and T-cell lymphomas are indistinguishable.

Hemophagocytic syndrome associated with aggressive natural killer cell leukemia

We describe a patient who had aggressive natural killer cell leukemia with profound hemophagocytosis. This combination must be underscored as one of several hemophagocytic syndromes. Activated phagocytes in the bone marrow appeared morphologically normal and could possibly be proliferating in response to some cytokine(s) such as interferon-gamma produced by leukemic cells, whose serum level was found to be extremely elevated in this case.

Cutaneous lesions of hemophagocytic syndrome in a patient with T-cell lymphoma and active Epstein-Barr infection

The hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) was first described in immune-compromised patients with secondary viral infections. Immunodeficiency has not always been diagnosed before the onset of HPS, but most patients who develop HPS have known immune deficits. HPS has also been reported in association with lymphoreticular malignancies. In HPS the most prominent histologic change is phagocytosis of red blood cells and other bone marrow-derived elements by cytologically benign histiocytes. Considerable confusion exists about the similarities and differences between HPS and other conditions in which hemophagocytosis may occur, for example, histiocytic medullary reticulosis, T-gamma lymphoma, malignant histiocytic lymphoma, and cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis. We report a patient with HPS and cutaneous lesions of cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis who also had an active Epstein-Barr virus infection, and a CD8+ T-cell lymphoma.

Virus-associated haemophagocytic syndrome with Epstein-Barr virus infection

The clinical and histological findings of a 10-year-old girl with virus-associated haemophagocytic syndrome are presented. The serum levels of Epstein-Barr viral antigens were elevated. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome was detected by polymerase chain reaction in bone marrow and lymph node specimens. Histologically, haemophagocytic histiocytes were present in bone marrow, and areas of non-suppurative necrosis were present in lymph nodes, where silver grain deposition of the EBV genome was demonstrated by in situ hybridization.

Medullary histiocytosis following treatment of severe aplastic anemia with recombinant human interleukin-3 in combination with antilymphocyte globulin, cyclosporin A, and methylprednisolone

This case report describes the clinical use of recombinant human interleukin-3 as adjunct to immunosuppressive therapy with antilymphocyte globulin, cyclosporin A, and methylprednisolone for refractory severe aplastic anemia. Hematopoietic response to treatment was moderate and peripheral blood counts (neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, reticulocytes) increased only slightly. Unexpectedly, during the time of interleukin-3 administration a substantial bone marrow infiltration by macrophages became detectable, consistent with the diagnosis of medullary histiocytosis, that may have prevented recovery of normal hematopoiesis in this patient. This observation may indicate the need for careful use of interleukin-3 in patients with drug-induced immunodeficiency.

Sensorimotor neuropathy in hemophagocytosis syndrome

Hemophagocytosis syndromes are uncommon disorders marked by generalized proliferation of benign histiocytes and multiple organ failure. A 24-year-old woman presented with a fulminant illness consisting of fever, hepatic insufficiency and anemia, followed by respiratory compromise, cardiomyopathy, and uremia. She developed a sensorimotor polyneuropathy, with normal cerebrospinal fluid findings. Sural nerve biopsy demonstrated mild to moderate axonopathy, with regeneration and occasional segmental demyelination/remyelination. The recent and old hemorrhages present in the perineurium, and the marked infiltration by foamy histiocytes (macrophages) distributed mostly in the subperineural space, were presumably responsible for the Wallerian degeneration. Documentation of histiocytes in peripheral nerves in hemophagocytosis syndrome has not previously been shown.

The histiocytoses of childhood

The histiocytoses of childhood include Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, haemophagocytic syndrome (familial and reactive), sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman disease), juvenile xanthogranuloma and malignant histiocytosis. These disorders show wide variation in their clinical presentation, prognosis and genetic implications. All are characterized by localized or generalized proliferation of histiocytes, but they differ in their morphology, histochemical and immunochemical staining patterns and electronmicroscopical features. On the basis of a comprehensive clinical history and critical interpretation of morphology and immunocytochemistry using an appropriately selected panel of antibodies, a diagnosis can be reached in the majority of cases.

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: systemic macrophage disorder

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis is a rare multisystem disorder that reflects a reactive inflammatory response to an undetermined stimulus. While the disease is characterized as a dermatoarthritis, multiple organ systems including cardiac and skeletal muscle, the pleura and gastrointestinal tract have been involved in reported cases. The synovitis can be quite destructive with arthritis mutilans developing in a substantial percentage. The dermatitis may be particularly disfiguring when the face is involved. This chapter describes the clinical and laboratory features of the 33 cases of MRH previously reviewed by Barrow and Holubar and an additional 33 cases that have appeared in the medical literature since that report. We note an apparent decline in frequency of some manifestations of MRH. This may be due in part to the nature of the recent reports which often present a brief clinical report and focus primarily on specific disease associations, unusual manifestations, new organ system involvement or treatment regimens. The primary cell involved in the reactive inflammatory response of MRH is the phagocytic tissue histiocyte (macrophage). While uncontrolled proliferation of these reticulohistiocytes is seen in several infectious and malignant conditions there is presently no direct evidence of a particular organism or neoplasm involved in the aetiopathogenesis of MRH. There is evidence of tuberculosis exposure in one third of cases with active tuberculosis present in 5%. Likewise, malignancies are reported concomitantly with MRH in 15-28% of cases. The therapeutic trend in MRH is to treat early and aggressively to prevent the devastating arthropathy and disfiguring cutaneous sequelae. This recommendation, however, is largely based on anecdotal reports and thus the physician encountering a case of MRH needs to proceed with circumspection.

Unusual clinical presentation of malignant histiocytosis in a 70-year-old woman

A 70-year-old woman was admitted for evaluation of hepatosplenomegaly, fever and elevated serum LDH levels. A biopsy specimen of the liver revealed histiocytic proliferation at the portal triad, and a mild degree of hepatitis. A bone marrow biopsy specimen showed proliferation of histiocytes with minimal immaturity and atypism, and haemophagocytosis by the proliferated histiocytes. Fever, hepatosplenomegaly and elevation of LDH levels all disappeared spontaneously, and presumptive diagnosis of benign reticulosis with haemophagocytosis was made. One year later, fever, hepatosplenomegaly and elevation of LDH levels redeveloped, and the liver and bone marrow biopsy specimen showed proliferation of unequivocally malignant histiocytes. The patient died as a result of disseminated intravascular coagulation with shock 20 d later. We concluded that, in this case, malignant histiocytosis first presented as benign haemophagocytic reticulosis and, 1 year later, there was a typical malignant presentation.

Anaplastic large cell Ki-1 lymphoma involving bone marrow: marrow findings and association with reactive hemophagocytosis

This report describes the bone marrow findings in four patients whose marrow was involved by anaplastic large-cell Ki-1 lymphoma, an uncommon event in this type of lymphoma. In the marrow aspirate smears, the involvement was subtle, and was in the form of isolated large cells with irregular nuclear configuration, coarse chromatin, prominent nucleoli, and basophilic cytoplasm which might be vacuolated. One case showed paradoxically massive involvement in the trephine biopsy taken from the same site as the marrow aspirate. Reactive histiocytic proliferation with hemophagocytosis was also present. Since marrow aspirate or biopsy may be the first pathologic specimen examined in patients having anaplastic large-cell Ki-1 lymphoma, it is important to be able to recognize the small population of neoplastic cells, which should lead to prompt treatment or further investigations as deemed necessary.

Influenza A and the virus associated haemophagocytic syndrome: cluster of three cases in children with acute leukaemia

At the height of the United Kingdom influenza A epidemic in December 1989, three children receiving treatment for non-T cell acute leukaemia developed pancytopenia with concomitant influenza A infection. Bone marrow histology showed prominent marrow erythrophagocytosis by morphologically mature histiocytes, consistent with the picture of virus associated haemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS). In two cases there was an initial spontaneous recovery, though recurrence of VAHS developed in one case in association with a different viral infection (cytomegalovirus) following autologous bone marrow transplantation. The third child died from cardiorespiratory failure secondary to infection with influenza A and Klebsiella pneumoniae sepsis. It is suggested that influenza A should be added to the list of infective causative agents.

Incidence in Sweden and clinical features of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

We retrospectively studied the incidence of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) in children during the 16-year period 1971-86. First, all departments of pediatrics, pathology, and infectious diseases were enquired for children with FHL or disorders resembling FHL. Secondly, the causes of death of all children who died during the study period in Sweden (n = 19,542) were also investigated. Files and histological specimens were further studied in selected children. By using a set of inclusion/exclusion criteria, we found 32 children with FHL. The incidence was 1.2/1,000,000 children per year. One child per 50,000 live borns developed FHL during this period. The sex ratio was close to 1:1. Prominent early clinical signs were fever (91%), splenomegaly (84%), hepatomegaly (90%), rash (43%), and lymph node enlargement (42%). Neurological symptoms, which developed in 47%, could totally dominate the clinical picture and develop prior to other symptoms and signs. Common laboratory findings were pancytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia, elevated serum transaminases, hyperbilirubinemia, hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia, and a moderate spinal fluid pleocytosis. Chest X-ray often revealed mostly discrete pulmonary infiltrates. FHL is an underdiagnosed disease and in only 11/32 children was diagnosis made during their lifetime. It is important to be aware of the disorder as potential therapy now exists.

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Clinical review based on the findings in seven children

Clinical, laboratory, and histological findings in FHL of diagnostic importance were intermittent fever, hepatosplenomegaly, peripheral blood cytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and a lymphohistiocytic accumulation with hemophagocytosis in the mononuclear phagocytic system. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy from the spleen appeared to be a useful method for revealing hemophagocytosis. The treatment of induction and relapses, as well as the maintenance therapy, included administration of teniposide, etoposide, and corticosteroids. The regimen had to be individualized for each child since the clinical course was highly variable. Half of the children given successful induction therapy (3/6) are still alive with over a 3-year survival after diagnosis.

Evidence for immune-mediated destruction as mechanism for LCMV-induced anemia in persistently infected mice

A docile substrain of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) causes a persistent infection in adult C3HeB mice and induces a severe anemia, which, unlike the viremia, eventually resolves. Measurements of red blood cell (RBC) survival rates demonstrated an increased rate of RBC clearance in these animals, indicating a hemolytic process for the anemia. Normal clearance rates of RBCs from infected mice transfused into control mice suggested that there was not an intrinsic defect in these cells. It also appeared that RBC destruction was immune-mediated, as cyclophosphamide treatments prevented the onset of anemia in infected mice, whereas adoptive transfer (AT) of immune splenocytes into immunocompromised mice reestablished the condition. The AT experiments also demonstrated that the onset of anemia correlated with the functional state of the immune cells. In addition, opsonization of RBCs was demonstrated by macrophage phagocytosis, and the appearance of opsonized RBCs corresponded with the course of the anemia. These findings support a hypothesis of RBC opsonization and subsequent phagocytosis by macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system as the mechanism for RBC destruction in LCMV-induced hemolytic anemia.

Severe chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection syndrome

Reports of unusually severe lymphoproliferative disorders associated with extremely high antibody titers against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have recently increased. The syndrome, which we designated severe chronic active EBV infection syndrome, is characterized by persistent or intermittent fever, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly and primarily affects children and young adults. Polyclonal gammopathy and bone marrow suppression are generally observed, and some patients develop B-cell or T-cell lymphoproliferation or lymphoma. Frequently, EBV genomes are detectable in tissues infiltrated with lymphoid cells. Additionally, it is difficult to establish spontaneous or B95-8 EBV-induced cell lines despite the expression of an activated EBV infection. We review and report here the published medical literature and our own experience regarding patients with severe chronic active EBV infection syndrome in an attempt to understand this enigmatic syndrome and the possible pathogenetic mechanism(s) responsible for this disorder.

G-CSF enhanced granulocyte production in a child with severe neutropenia in the setting of fatal virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome

A 14-year-old boy with fatal varicella zoster virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) was treated with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) based on the finding that the patient had severe neutropenia and possible bacterial superinfection. Support for the G-CSF therapy in VAHS is provided by the recent reports that G-CSF is relatively specific for the granulocyte lineage; it would not activate mature monocyte/macrophage/histiocyte lineage in VAHS, where the most striking morphologic feature is histiocytic hyperplasia with hemophagocytosis. He responded well to G-CSF with an elevation of neutrophil counts. There were no effects on other blood cells. The result indicates that G-CSF is useful to increase granulocyte production in severe neutropenia, even in the setting of fatal VAHS.

Intravenous immunoglobulin in virus associated haemophagocytic syndrome

A 1 year old boy with virus associated haemophagocytic syndrome caused by cytomegalovirus infection is described. Persistent severe thrombocytopenia responded to repeated intravenous infusions of immunoglobulin.

Histiocytic cytophagic panniculitis

A 33 year old man developed fever, malaise, jaundice, pancytopenia, coagulation abnormalities, hepatomegaly, pleural effusions and a subcutaneous lump. Biopsies revealed a lobular panniculitis with the presence of cytophagic histiocytes; erythrophagocytosis was also demonstrated in the liver and bone marrow. Despite the use of chemotherapy (CHOP) his clinical condition deteriorated and he died 5 months after presentation. This illness is consistent with the recently described syndrome of histiocytic cytophagic panniculitis.

Malignant histiocytosis with panniculitis--a case report

We report a case of malignant histiocytosis which began with the skin lesions of panniculitis. A 32-year-old woman presented with recurrent erythematous plaques, subcutaneous nodules, and ulcers on the trunk and the extremities and intermittent fever for 7 months. The cutaneous lesions consisted of erythematous and brownish irregular-shaped patches and tender cutaneous nodules 0.5-1.0 cm in diameter. Central necrosis and shallow ulcers were seen in the lesions. The patient also suffered from general fatigue, arthralgia, and weight loss. She was anemic and thrombocytopenic and had progressive impairment of liver function with coagulation defect. Histopathological study of skin lesions showed lobular panniculitis without vasculitis in the subcutaneous fat tissue. In the panniculitis lesion, moderate mixed cell infiltration consisting of lymphocytes and histiocytes was observed. Bone marrow aspiration revealed an increase in the number of histiocytes, mostly immature with active phagocytosis of erythroid cells, myeloid cells, and platelets. She was diagnosed as having malignant histiocytosis and treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone which she responded well; her fever subsided and the lesions healed with hyperpigmentation. In this patient, benign histiocytes with hemophagocytosis without immature forms were found in the skin lesions. According to our knowledge, this is the first Thai report of malignant histiocytosis with clinical features of panniculitis.

High incidence of 17p13 chromosomal abnormalities in malignant histiocytosis

Cytogenetic analyses of three patients during autopsy who had a pathologic diagnosis of malignant histiocytosis and of one patient who was strongly suspected to have malignant histiocytosis because of her clinical and hematologic findings were done. All three patients studied with bone marrow specimens showed polyploidy (3.4-20%). Two of three patients with chromosomal abnormalities showed 17p+ markers with a breakpoint at 17p13. Seven of 22 previously reported malignant histiocytosis patients (32%) with descriptions of detailed whole karyotypes have the 17p+ markers, including two of the authors' patients. Five of seven patients with 17p+ involved 17p13. Although breakpoints at the 17p+ in the remaining two were not described, their karyotypes were shown to possibly involve 17p13. The high incidence of this abnormality is not considered accidental, and this breakpoint is not usual in many other neoplastic disorders. These facts may indicate that 17p13 chromosome abnormality is a specific change of malignant histiocytosis.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated syndromes in immunosuppressed liver transplant recipients. Clinical profile and recognition on routine allograft biopsy

The clinical profile and histopathologic changes in needle biopsies of the liver were studied in 10 cases of acute Epstein-Barr virus infection occurring in liver transplant recipients. The systemic viral syndrome in four cases resembled that seen in infectious mononucleosis, whereas in six others it was characterized by atypical signs and symptoms in the form of jaw pain, arthralgias, joint space effusions, diarrhea, encephalitis, pneumonitis, mediastinal lymphodenopathy, and ascites. Laboratory investigation showed marked elevations in hepatocellular enzymes and circulating atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Pancytopenia was noted in eight cases. A range of histopathologic changes was noted in the allografts ranging from alterations typically observed in infectious mononucleosis to a distinctive constellation characterized by (a) mixed mononuclear portal and sinusoidal infiltrates containing atypical large noncleaved cells and immunoblasts; (b) associated lobular activity indicative of a hepatitic process, and (c) relatively mild duct damage not in proportion to the severity of the inflammatory infiltrates. The patients responded to reduced immunosuppression, but recurrent viral syndromes occurred in four instances and one patient died of systemic lymphoproliferative disease.

Manifestations and treatment of human parvovirus B19 infection in immunocompromised patients

We diagnosed infections from human parvovirus B19 in three patients by using dot-blot hybridization and a polymerase chain reaction to detect B19 DNA and using an enzyme immunoassay to detect IgG and IgM to B19. For 5 months a 5-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission had anemia without reticulocytes or bone marrow erythrocyte precursors. His serum lacked IgG and IgM to B19 but contained B19 DNA. He received gamma globulin intravenously (0.4 gm/kg/day for 5 days); his viremia promptly cleared and reticulocytosis developed. A 14-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission had fever, rash, neutropenia (less than 300 leukocytes/mm3), and a hemophagocytic syndrome lasting 3 weeks. His serum contained IgM to B19 and B19 DNA. Without therapy, IgG to B19 developed; although low levels of B19 DNA persisted, the leukocyte count returned to normal. In a 19-year-old patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and hemolytic anemia, an aplastic crisis lasted 2 weeks. Her serum lacked IgG and IgM to B19 but contained B19 DNA. Without therapy, IgG and IgM to B19 appeared, viremia diminished, and reticulocytosis occurred. These patients illustrate the varied manifestations of chronic B19 infections, the importance of DNA detection for diagnosis, and the possible efficacy of gamma globulin therapy.

Neuropathology of two fatal cases of measles in the 1988-1989 Houston epidemic

The clinical course and autopsy findings of 2 patients with measles encephalitis that occurred during the 1988-1989 Houston epidemic are reported. A previously healthy 25-month-old boy had serologically-proved measles, hemophagocytic syndrome, and acute disseminated demyelinating encephalitis. A 19-year-old male with acute lymphocytic leukemia had proved measles pneumonia and acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis. These patients represent a broad spectrum of measles-induced immunopathic complications of the central nervous system.

Reactive haemophagocytic syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus infection

The reactive or virus-associated haemophagocytic syndrome (RHS) has been described in association with several different infections and is regarded as clinically and pathologically distinct from malignant histiocytosis. A case is described of this syndrome in a 30-year-old HIV-antibody positive homosexual male who presented with fever, pancytopenia, lymphadenopathy, and massive splenomegaly. The fever and haematological abnormalities resolved following splenectomy, and the patient remains well after 12 months. Prominent histiocytic haemophagocytosis was seen in both the spleen and an abdominal lymph node. Exhaustive tests failed to demonstrate any infectious agent other than human immunodeficiency virus, indicating this to be a case of this syndrome occurring in association with HIV infection.

Imprint cytology of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas based on a study of 212 immunologically characterized cases: correlation of touch imprints with tissue sections

The classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) has been traditionally based on analysis of histologic sections and has been supplemented more recently by immunologic marker studies. It was the purpose of the present study to illustrate, side-by-side, sections and Romanowsky-stained imprints from the same surgical specimen from practically all categories of immunophenotyped NHLs, including rare and atypical variants that were difficult to classify from the histologic sections alone. Our results indicate that imprint cytology may reveal nuclear and cytoplasmic details not discernible in even the best tissue sections and that it may be selectively helpful in contributing to the classification of NHLs. Our results also show that the relative value of imprint cytology in the classification of malignant lymphomas varies greatly among categories. Specifically, we have found that imprints assist in three ways: the recognition of plasmacytoid features in small cell lymphocytic lymphomas, the recognition of plasmacytoid immunoblastic lymphoma, and the differentiation between NHLs which may be difficult to distinguish histologically. These include (1) small lymphocytic lymphoma versus lymphocytic lymphoma of intermediate differentiation, (2) true histiocytic malignancies versus large cell malignant lymphomas with abundant cytoplasm and/or phagocytosis, (3) anaplastic myeloma versus plasmacytoid immunoblastic lymphoma, (4) large noncleaved versus plasmacytoid immunoblastic lymphoma, (5) lymphoblastic lymphoma versus diffuse small cleaved cell lymphoma, and (6) lymphoblastic lymphoma versus small noncleaved cell lymphoma. Lymph node imprints are easy to prepare and readily interpretable by those experienced in the study of abnormal blood and bone marrow films. Their value as an ancillary methodology aimed at optimal accuracy in the classification of NHLs should be recognized.

Hematologic manifestations of malignancy

Hematologic dysfunction occurs commonly in patients with malignancy. Over half are anemic, often because of acute or chronic blood loss, marrow involvement by the malignancy, marrow suppressive effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or because of the anemia of chronic disease. Less frequently, anemia may result from red cell aplasia, folate or B12 deficiency, hemolytic processes, or hypersplenism. Occasional patients may become polycythemic because of erythropoietin-producing tumors such as renal adenocarcinomas or cerebellar hemangiomas. Elevation of the white cell count is commonly seen, especially in patients with lung cancer. Monocytosis and thrombocytosis, which may be early signs of an underlying malignancy, are also very common and occur in up to half of patients. Thrombocytopenia is commonly a result of therapy or marrow replacement; a few patients may have a syndrome resembling immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Abnormalities of coagulation are present in many patients, and may lead to superficial or deep venous thromboses, pulmonary emboli, nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis with arterial emboli, bleeding, or acute disseminated intravascular coagulation. A sound understanding of the potential hematologic complications that can result from the malignant process is essential to the clinician caring for cancer patients.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma presenting as hemophagocytic syndrome

Three patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma presenting with pyrexia, wasting, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia in the absence of myelophthisic lymphomatous involvement are reported. Early in the course of the disease when there was no significant lymphadenopathy, these cases created enormous diagnostic confusion. Although the clinical features were suggestive of malignant histiocytosis (MH), marrow findings showed phagocytic histiocytes which did not appear atypical, and the criteria for diagnosis of MH could not be satisfied. Lymph node enlargement was detected only after 14, 5, and 8 weeks from the onset of symptoms, and the diagnosis of T-lymphoma was then made on lymph node biopsies. Treatment with multiple agent chemotherapy was attempted. Two patients died 3 days and 11 weeks after treatment was started and the third was lost to follow-up. In contrast with most of the cases reported in the literature, our cases show that a reactive hemophagocytic syndrome can be an early and prominent manifestation of an underlying T-cell lymphoma. Differentiation from other causes of hemophagocytic syndrome can be difficult and lack of histological proof of malignancy in the initial stage often delays definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Histiocytic hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow in children with sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation

Two children with systemic E. coli and candidial infections developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Bone marrow examination in both cases showed histiocytic hemophagocytosis, consistent with the diagnosis of the hemophagocytic syndrome. Histiocytic hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow, one of the markers of the activated mononuclear phagocyte system, might be common in patients with severe sepsis and DIC, especially in immunodeficiency.