Is there a true association between Rosai-Dorfman disease and malignancy?

Isolated central nervous system Rosai-Dorfman disease and breast cancer: an unusual presentation

The association between Rosai-Dorfman Disease (RDD) and cancer was reported for the first time in 1984. However, there are still a small number of reports of this association. We describe a 60-year-old woman who presented with a focal onset motor seizure followed by tonic-clonic generalization and persistent headache. Magnetic Resonance Imaging disclosed an irregular hyperintense lesion in T2 and vasogenic edema in the left parietal region. Immunohistochemical analysis of a biopsy fragment was positive for protein S-100 and CD68 and negative for CD1a, compatible with the diagnosis of RDD. She previously had breast cancer six years earlier and had used tamoxifen for two years and anostrozol for three years after diagnosis of cancer. RDD has been already associated with different cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, melanoma, adenocarcinoma and small cell lung cancer. As far as we know, this is the first report of an association between breast cancer and RDD.

Intestinal occlusion caused by Rosai-Dorfman disease mimicking colonic diverticulitis

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) involves the gastrointestinal tract only in exceptional cases, and this very unusual site of presentation can confuse the pathologist. We present a case of RDD manifesting as an intestinal occlusion caused by colonic diverticulitis. The patient was a 79-year-old man with myelodysplasia, who presented with fever, abdominal pain, and constipation. Colonoscopy revealed sigmoiditis and diverticulosis. Microscopic study of the sigmoid colon surgical specimen showed the histological and immunological features of RDD. No human DNA of herpesvirus types 6 and 8 (HHV6/HHV8), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was detected in tissue by polymerase chain reaction. Electron microscopic study revealed no microbes or viral particles. Widespread nodal and extranodal RDD occurred, and the patient died 2y after initial surgery. The etiology of RDD is still under debate. We discuss the association of RDD with hematological disorders.

Forme multifocale d'une maladie de Rosai-Dorfman. À propos d'une observation

INTRODUCTION

Extranodal involvement in sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenpathy (SHML) or Rosai-Dorfman disease is common, seen in 43% of cases. We present a case of disseminated form of SHML with thyroid, renal, bone and lung involvement.

EXEGESIS

A 53-year-old woman presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and a large palpable mass in the submandibular area. A thyroid nodule was palpable. Laboratory data showed an increase of the erythrosedimentation rate and a polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Histopathological examination of a cervical lymph node biopsy showed typical features of SHML. CT scan showed enlargement mediastinal lymph node, mass of the right lung and infiltrative mass in the right renal hilium. Radiographs revealed lytic lesions in the right proximal tibia and left patella. Histopathology of a biopsy from the kidney mass and thyroidectomy displayed typical characteristics of SMHL. The patient was treated by steroids with a markedly regression of the kidney and renal masses.

CONCLUSION

Multiple extranodal involvement in SMHL is rare, the prognosis may be poor when lesions are massive and involve vital organs.