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S L Abbondanzo

Publications and source records attributed to S L Abbondanzo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma: a clinicopathologic study of 19 cases.

Cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (FCL) is reported to have a unique immunophenotype and clinical course as compared with nodal FCL. We studied 19 cases of FCL of the skin using paraffin embedded tissue. An immunohistochemistry panel included CD45, CD3, CD20, CD43, CD21, bcl-2, bcl-6, CD5, and CD10. Molecular studies were performed by polymerase chain reaction for immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) and t(14;18). Trisomy 3 was performed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in 13 cases. Follow up was obtained in 17 cases (range 3 to 137 months). Patients included 10 females and 9 males ranging in age from 33 to 88 years at first presentation (mean, 64). Twelve of 19 presented in the head and neck and 6 in the trunk and 1 on the arm. All had no known lymph node disease at presentation. Seventeen patients had no nodal disease with a minimum 3 month follow-up; 2/19 had unknown lymph node status with no follow-up. All cases were immunoreactive with CD20 and negative with CD3. Bcl-2 was immunoreactive in 11/18 cases, bcl-6 in 15/15, CD10 in 14/17, CD43 in 2/16 (both were CD10 immunoreactive) and CD5 in 1/15 (it was also bcl-6 immunoreactive). Eight of 18 cases were monoclonal for IgH. Three of 17 showed the presence of t(14;18). FISH was positive in 4 cases for trisomy 3 ranging from 16 to 22% (12% threshold). Follow-up showed no evidence of disease in 14/17 patients (4 to 137 mos). 3/17 patients are alive with disease (17 to 100 mo), and no patients died of disease.

Adult↗

Extranodal marginal-zone B-cell lymphoma of the salivary gland.

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the salivary gland is an uncommon tumor that most often occurs in the parotid gland. The most common subtype is marginal-zone B-cell lymphoma, extranodal, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type. This subtype has recently been included in the Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms, as well as in the upcoming World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms. This low-grade lymphoma usually arises in a background of benign lymphoepithelial lesion or myoepithelial sialadenitis that is associated with the autoimmune disease Sjögren's syndrome. It occasionally develops in patients who do not have a history of autoimmune disease. When mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma occurs in the salivary gland, as in other extranodal sites such as the stomach, it is usually an indolent neoplasm that tends to remain localized for long periods of time, even without treatment. Eventually, however, the tumor may disseminate or transform to a higher grade. The histologic distinction of myoepithelial sialadenitis from low-grade B-cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma can be a difficult diagnostic challenge and many of these lesions continue to be ambiguously diagnosed as "pseudolymphoma." Immunophenotypic or flow cytometric analysis may be useful in showing an aberrant phenotype or immunoglobulin light-chain restriction, which helps to support a diagnosis of malignant lymphoma in most cases. Molecular genetic analysis for immunoglobulin gene rearrangements also may be useful in showing monoclonality, although the exact significance of this finding in some cases remains controversial.

Humans↗

Telehematopathology in a clinical consultative practice.

We studied a series of 60 telepathology cases sent in consultation to the Department of Hematopathology from January 1, 1995, through July 31, 2000. Cases from the United States and the world representing academic, private, military, and federal sectors were reviewed. Ninety percent of patients were adults (54 of 60), and male patients outnumbered female patients 2 to 1. Ages were from 1 to 79 years (mean, 42 years). Forty-three cases were lymph nodes (72%), 14 were bone marrow or peripheral blood (23%), and 3 were from other sites (5%). Twenty-seven of the consultant diagnoses were benign (27 of 60). Twenty-nine were malignant (non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, and "other malignancy" groups), and 4 were nondiagnostic. Glass slide/paraffin tissue blocks were available in only 35 (58%) of 60 cases. The concordance rate for diagnostic telehematopathology cases with subsequent glass slide/paraffin block follow-up was 91% (29 of 32 cases). The discordance rate was 9% (3 of 32). This finding shows a high degree of diagnostic accuracy for consultative telehematopathology. Of 118 images analyzed, 58 were considered very good/good (49%), 32 were poor/very poor (27%), and 28 were fair (24%). Poor images had suboptimal resolution, color, or technical quality of transmission, and most poor images were low-power images. Additional case problems included insufficient immunoperoxidase stain availability, selection, and labeling; transmitted field selection; specimen preparation and staining; presence or absence of accompanying clinical data; and availability of ancillary studies such as flow cytometric, cytogenetic, and molecular data. From this analysis, the following recommendations are offered. To optimize telehematopathology consultation, include any additional information that have a significant influence on the final consultant diagnosis. Include any pertinent clinical information, laboratory data, special stains, immunoperoxidase stains, and molecular data. Select representative and diagnostically significant low-power and high-power fields for an accurate diagnosis. Label every immunostain or special stain submitted. Always send glass slides and tissue blocks when requested by the consultant. Optimize telemedicine microscopy and computer equipment with appropriate technical expertise, training, and support. In conclusion, the field of telepathology offers an exciting and potentially powerful solution to the problem of national and global subspecialty consultation. Hematopathology is potentially well suited to this technologically advanced marriage of computer and Internet technologies with modern microscopy, molecular diagnostics, immunophenotypic profiling, and the consultant pathologist.

Adolescent↗

Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma with signet ring-cell morphology: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of three cases.

Three cases of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma with prominent signet ring-cell features are presented. The patients were three men between the ages of 37 years and 74 years (average, 55.5 years). Clinically, the three patients presented with multiple skin nodules. In one patient, the nodules had been present for approximately 5 weeks, although in the two other patients, the nodules were of unknown duration. The lesions were located in the upper extremities (forearm) and measured from 2 cm to 3 cm in diameter. No evidence of lymphadenopathy was observed in any of the patients. Surgical excision of the nodules was performed. Histologically, in two cases, the superficial and deep dermis was replaced by a diffuse cellular proliferation, and in one patient, the tumor cell population adopted a nodular pattern of growth involving adnexal structures and infiltrating the subcutaneous fat. In all cases, the tumors were composed of cells showing signet ring-cell features, with striking indentation of the nuclei toward the periphery of the cell. Immunohistochemical studies using antibodies for B-cell and T-cell markers (L-26 and UCHL) as well as antibodies for leukocyte common antigen, keratin, and kappa and lambda light chains were performed in all cases. The tumor cells showed a positive reaction for leukocyte common antigen, L-26, and lambda light chain restriction. Follow-up information was only available in one patient, who has remained alive and well 2 years after diagnosis without evidence of progression of the disease. The present cases highlight the importance of recognizing this unusual morphologic type of lymphoma so as to arrive at a correct diagnosis.

Adult↗

Is lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/immunocytoma a distinct entity? A clinicopathologic study of 20 cases.

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/immunocytoma (LLI) was defined initially as a small B-cell lymphoma with plasmacytoid or plasmacytic features. Because other types of small B-cell lymphoma, particularly marginal zone B-cell lymphoma may exhibit plasmacytic differentiation, the revised European-American lymphoma classification and World Health Organization has defined LLI more narrowly to exclude other small B-cell lymphomas. The goal of this study was to reevaluate LLI as a clinicopathologic entity. Twenty cases were selected from 43 previously diagnosed as "small lymphocytic lymphoma, plasmacytoid" or "immunocytoma" from 1985 to 1998. Cases fulfilling the criteria for B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, or other types of B-cell lymphoma were excluded. The histopathology and immunoreactivity for CD20, CD79a, CD3, CD43, CD23, CD5, kappa, lambda, and immunoglobulins (Ig's) M, G, and A were reviewed, in addition to available clinical findings. There were 13 men and seven women, with a mean age of 69 years. Five patients had documented Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). Three architectural patterns were observed. Pattern A (seven of 20) showed open sinuses, small follicles, and hemosiderosis; pattern B (four of 20) showed hyperplastic follicles; and pattern C (nine of 20) showed diffuse effacement. Epithelioid histiocytes were prominent in patterns B and C but absent in A. Cytologically, six of 20 were polymorphous with 10% to 40% transformed cells; 14 of 20 were lymphoplasmacytic. Five cases showed minor foci of monocytoid B cells. One case showed a composite histology of LLI and small lymphocytic lymphoma. Amyloid was present in two cases. All cases were CD20 and/or CD79a immunoreactive, with two of 20 positive for CD43. Twelve cases were kappa monoclonal and eight cases were lambda monoclonal. Twelve of 17 cases that could be evaluated were positive for IgM and five were positive for IgG. All cases were negative for CD5 and CD23 with the exception of the one case with a composite histology. Eleven of 20 patients with available follow-up died of disease (median, 48 months), and eight of 20 are alive with disease at a follow-up of 6 months to 2 years. LLI does appear to represent a distinct clinicopathologic entity even though it shows morphologic heterogeneity and overlapping features with marginal zone B-cell lymphoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma. Recognition of LLI is important because the overall prognosis may be worse than for other types of small B-cell lymphomas.

Adult↗

Splenic inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (inflammatory pseudotumor): a clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic study of 12 cases.

CONTEXT: Inflammatory pseudotumor is an uncommon and enigmatic lesion. The spindle cells found in this tumor have features of myofibroblasts. Because of the indefinite relationship of these lesions with inflammatory fibrosarcoma and their indefinite biologic behavior, inflammatory pseudotumor is currently classified as inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). To date, only case reports or small series have been published on these tumors, which are primary in the spleen. DESIGN: In this study, we describe the clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic findings of 12 cases of splenic IMT and examine their relationship to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). RESULTS: The patients included 8 women and 3 men, ranging from 19 to 77 years of age (mean, 53 years; median, 60 years). Demographic data were unavailable for 1 patient. Patients generally presented with abdominal pain (n = 5) and fever (n = 4). Associated lesions included renal cell carcinoma (n = 2), colonic adenocarcinoma (n = 1), and cholecystitis (n = 1). All tumors were composed of a bland spindle cell proliferation in association with a variable mixed inflammatory component. There were 2 growth patterns, namely, a cellular spindle cell pattern and a hypocellular fibrous pattern. An immunohistochemical panel confirmed the myofibroblastic nature of the spindle cells. The spindle cells of 2 cases were immunoreactive for EBV latent membrane protein 1, whereas 6 of 10 cases were positive for EBV-encoded RNA using in situ hybridization. Follow-up was available for 8 patients; 6 were alive with no evidence of recurrence and 2 were dead of other causes. CONCLUSION: Splenic IMTs are uncommon lesions that can be distinguished from other conditions using a combination of clinical, histologic, and immunophenotypic findings. Epstein-Barr virus may play a role in the pathogenesis of splenic IMT, and there may be an association of splenic IMT with concomitant disease or malignancy. Most splenic IMTs have an excellent long-term prognosis.

Adult↗

Low-grade B-cell lymphoma with coexpression of both CD5 and CD10. A report of 3 cases.

The coexpression of CD5 and CD10 has previously been reported in cases of intermediate- and high-grade lymphomas and in precursor B cells in normal or regenerating bone marrow. We report 3 cases of low-grade B-cell lymphoma that were found to coexpress CD5 and CD10 at the time of initial diagnosis. The first case was classified as small lymphocytic lymphoma; the second as follicle center lymphoma, follicular grade 1; and the third as small B-cell lymphoma otherwise not specified. Currently, the clinical implication of the coexpression of CD5 and CD10 is not known. We describe this finding to highlight the difficulty that may be encountered in classifying lymphomas in cases where this coexpression is present.

Aged↗

c-Kit (CD117) reactivity in extramedullary myeloid tumor/granulocytic sarcoma.

CONTEXT: c-kit, a proto-oncogene, encodes the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor CD117 and is detected by flow cytometry in the majority of cases of acute myeloid leukemia. The prognostic significance of the presence of c-Kit in acute myeloid leukemia is debated. Recently, c-kit inhibitors have been studied as possible therapies against hematopoietic malignancies; therefore, c-Kit detection may have important implications for treatment. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the expression of c-Kit in granulocytic sarcoma (GS) using paraffin-embedded tissue. DESIGN: Routinely formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 30 cases of GS were studied using immunohistochemistry. c-Kit (C-19) (a polyclonal antibody against carboxy terminal domain of c-Kit p145 or CD117) reactivity was compared with myeloperoxidase and lysozyme. The immunohistochemical panel also included CD34, CD68, CD43, Bcl-2, CD45RB, CD20, CD3, CD10, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), and CD79a. RESULTS: The morphologic patterns included well-differentiated (5 cases), poorly differentiated (19 cases), and blastic forms (6 cases). Clinical data were obtained from 28 of 30 patients. Granulocytic sarcoma presented in lymph nodes in 10 cases, whereas in 20 cases it presented in extranodal sites. c-Kit reactivity was found in 87% (26/30) of the GS cases. There was no significant difference in c-Kit positivity between the nodal (90%, 9/10) and extranodal (85%, 17/20) neoplasms. c-Kit expression was not associated with the degree of the myeloid maturation. Two of 13 lymphoblastic lymphoma control cases and 1 of 28 of the large B-cell lymphomas were weakly immunoreactive with c-Kit. CONCLUSIONS: c-Kit reactivity can be demonstrated in a high percentage of GS cases; its presence may be useful not only in diagnosis, but also in the treatment of GS with new modalities.

Adolescent↗

Apoptosis, bcl-2 expression, and p53 expression in gastrointestinal stromal/smooth muscle tumors.

The authors investigated the relations between outcome and apoptosis, immunohistochemical demonstration of bcl-2 protein, and immunohistochemical staining for p53 protein in patients with gastrointestinal stromal/smooth muscle tumors (GIST). Patients whose tumors demonstrated cellular apoptosis using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay had an improved survival over those whose tumors did not improve. In contrast, patients whose tumors demonstrated staining for bcl-2 protein had a decreased survival compared with those whose tumors did not demonstrate bcl-2. There was no relation between p53 immunoreactivity and survival. These results suggest that inhibition of apoptosis may be associated with malignant behavior in patients with gastrointestinal stromal/smooth muscle tumors.

Apoptosis↗

Histological and immunoglobulin VH gene analysis of interfollicular small lymphocytic lymphoma provides evidence for two types.

Interfollicular small lymphocytic lymphoma (I-SLL) has not been well characterized and its relationship to small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is uncertain. Moreover, two different proliferation center growth patterns have been described with respect to reactive germinal centers. In this study, we evaluate the histological and immunophenotypic features of 13 cases of I-SLL and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (VH) gene sequences from 10 cases. Immunophenotypic analyses indicate that cases showing either growth pattern have the same CD5-positive B cell phenotype typical of SLL or CLL. Sequence analysis revealed the use of VH, D, and J gene segments often found in CLL, although there may be more frequent use of J6. Similar to recent studies of CLL, there were approximately equal numbers of cases with either mutated or unmutated VH genes without evidence of ongoing mutation, consistent with I-SLL having either a naïve or memory B cell origin. Interestingly, the mutational status of the I-SLL VH genes seemed to correlate with the two different histological growth patterns. These studies support the proposal that I-SLL represents SLL/CLL and suggest the recently proposed two types of CLL originating from either memory or naïve B cells may have different histological patterns of growth in lymph nodes that show architectural preservation.

Adult↗

T-cell lymphoma presenting in the breast: a histologic, immunophenotypic and molecular genetic study of four cases.

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the breast is uncommon. Most primary breast lymphomas are of B-cell phenotype, with only rare cases showing a T-cell phenotype. In this study, we report the clinicopathologic features of four cases of T-cell lymphoma in the breast. The patients all were female with a mean age of 48 years (range, 13 to 77 years). All cases showed immunoreactivity in paraffin-embedded tissue for T-cell markers CD3, CD45RO, and CD43. beta F1 was positive in three of four cases. The four cases were further subclassified as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (CD30 positive) of T-immunophenotype; natural killer/T-cell lymphoma; peripheral T-cell (CD4 positive), large cell type; and peripheral T-cell (CD8 positive, T-cell intracellular antigen positive), medium cell type. Three of the four cases were monoclonal for T-cell receptor beta and/or T-cell receptor gamma. The one case of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma was negative for monoclonality with both T-cell receptor beta and gamma by molecular diagnostic studies. In all cases, IgH was negative. Follow-up was obtained in three cases. Two patients died within less than 1 year after the diagnosis. The third patient died within 18 months of the diagnosis. Our results suggest an aggressive clinical course for T-cell lymphomas that present in the breast.

Adolescent↗

Splenic angiosarcoma: a clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic study of 28 cases.

Primary angiosarcoma of the spleen is a rare neoplasm that has not been well characterized. We describe the clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic findings of 28 cases of primary splenic angiosarcoma, including one case that shares features of lymphangioma/lymphangiosarcoma. The patients included 16 men and 12 women, aged 29 to 85 years, with a mean of 59 years and median of 63 years. The majority of patients (75%) complained of abdominal pain, and 25% presented with splenic rupture. The most common physical finding was splenomegaly (71%). Seventeen of 21 patients were reported to have anemia. Macroscopic examination showed splenomegaly in 85% cases. Sectioning revealed discrete lesions in 88% of cases, ranging from well-circumscribed firm nodules to poorly delineated foci of necrosis and hemorrhage associated with cystic spaces. Microscopically, the tumors were heterogenous; however, all cases demonstrated at least a focal vasoformative component lined by atypical endothelial cells. Solid sarcomatous, papillary, and epithelioid growth patterns were observed. The solid sarcomatous component resembled fibrosarcoma in two cases and malignant fibroushistiocytoma in one case. Hemorrhage, necrosis, hemosiderin, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and intracytoplasmic hyaline globules were frequently identified. A panel of immunohistochemical studies revealed that the majority of tumors were immunoreactive for at least two markers of vascular differentiation (CD34, FVIIIRAg, VEGFR3, and CD31) and at least one marker of histiocytic differentiation (CD68 and/or lysozyme). Metastases developed in 100% of patients during the course of their disease. Twenty-six patients died of disease despite aggressive therapy, whereas only two patients are alive at last follow-up, one with disease at 8 years and the other without disease at 10 years. In conclusion, primary splenic angiosarcoma is an extremely aggressive neoplasm that is almost universally fatal. The majority of splenic angiosarcomas coexpress histiocytic and endothelial markers by immunohistochemical analysis, which suggest that some tumors may originate from splenic lining cells.

Adult↗

Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the lung: a clinicopathologic study of five patients.

Primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is a rare malignancy in the lung. Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma characteristically involves the lymph nodes or skin, with few reports from other sites. We studied the clinical and pathologic features of five cases of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma limited to the lungs. The patients were three women and two men aged 27 to 66 years (mean, 44.6 y) The tumors ranged in size from 1.1 to 5 cm. All patients were CD 30 (Ki-1) positive and CD 15 (LeuM-1) negative. Epithelial membrane antigen immunoreactivity was seen in two patients. Epstein-Barr virus was not detected by immunohistochemistry (four patients tested) or by polymerase chain reaction studies (three patients tested). The immunophenotypes were T cell (n = 3) and null (n = 2). Gene rearrangement studies supported the immunophenotypic findings. One patient who had underlying HIV infection died of infectious complications. One patient died at 6 months. Two patients developed recurrent disease and are alive after 42 and 51 months of follow-up. The remaining patient is alive at 8 years of follow-up without evidence of disease. ALCL can mimic metastatic or primary carcinoma and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of large cell neoplasms of the lung.

Adult↗

Follicle center lymphoma involving the female genital tract: a morphologic and molecular genetic study of three cases.

Primary female reproductive system lymphomas are distinctly uncommon, and are defined as lymphomas that present primarily as gynecologic tumors. We describe 3 cases which presented in this location, 1 primary ovarian disease and 2 others presenting the initial manifestations of disseminated lymphoma. Clinical history, follow-up information, and paraffin embedded archival tissue were available for all 3 cases. A panel of immunoperoxidase studies and molecular genetic studies were performed for each case. The primary ovarian follicle center lymphoma was a grade III/III (large cell) while the cases representing secondary involvement were grade I/III (small cell). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated reactivity of the malignant cells in each case with CD20 and bcl-2. In the grade I/III cases the cells were immunoreactive for CD45RA and CD10. Molecular genetic analysis demonstrated the t(14;18) translocation in the case of primary ovarian follicle center lymphoma. Follicle center lymphoma uncommonly presents in the female genital system, and may rarely be primary to this site. Immunoperoxidase and molecular studies in concert with the morphology are invaluable in rendering a correct diagnosis and ensuring correct treatment of the patient.

Aged↗

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the skin: a morphologic and immunophenotypic study of 11 cases.

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBL) is a recently recognized low-grade lymphoma that has been well described in other organs such as the stomach and salivary gland. It has only recently been described in skin, where it may be difficult to distinguish from reactive processes and other types of B-cell lymphoma such as follicle center lymphoma. These cases may have been classified as pseudolymphomas in the past. Extranodal MZBL was referred to as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma before the Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms was published in 1994. Important histologic features that aid in the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma are atypical lymphocytes (centrocyte-like and monocytoid B cells) often admixed with plasmacytoid lymphocytes, a prominent plasma cell component, lymphoepithelial lesions, intranuclear inclusions (Dutcher bodies), and reactive germinal centers that may be colonized by neoplastic cells. Immunophenotypic studies demonstrating a B-cell phenotype, light chain restriction, coexpression of CD43, and staining of atypical lymphocytes with bcl-2 support a diagnosis of MALT lymphoma. We studied 11 cases of extranodal MZBL of the skin from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology files. There were six women and five men ranging in age from 30 to 69 years (median, 54 years). The anatomical sites included the trunk, head and neck areas, and upper extremities. There were no other sites of disease besides the skin in any of the cases. The follow-up period ranged from 5 months to 8 years (median, 24 months). Histologic results included an atypical lymphoid infiltrate with B-cell phenotype, reactive germinal centers, and a variable plasma cell component in all cases. No Dutcher bodies or lymphoepithelial lesions were noted. Extranodal MZBL of skin is a diagnostic challenge because of a heterogeneous cellular infiltrate that may be interpreted as a reactive process. The most significant neoplasm with which it is confused is follicular lymphoma. It is important to recognize the characteristic histologic and immunophenotypic features of extranodal MZBL so that the appropriate therapeutic approach may be applied.

Adult↗

Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the lung: a clinicopathologic study of 14 cases.

Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia is a controversial entity in which its existence in the lung has been doubted. The current opinion is that most, if not all, such cases represent extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas masquerading as reactive lesions. We found 14 cases of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in the files of the Pulmonary Department at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology from 1974 through 1998. All had clinical histories and hematoxylin-eosin slides. In 12 of 14 with paraffin blocks, we applied immunohistochemical antibodies for CD20, CD3, CD43, CD5, bcl-2, bcl-1, CD45RA, and kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chains. Molecular genetic analysis was performed on paraffin sections in 10 of 14 by the polymerase chain reaction for rearrangements of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene and the minor and major break-point regions of the chromosomal translocation t (14;18). There were eight women and six men ranging in age from 19 to 80 years (median, 65 yrs). Most lesions (71%) were incidental findings on routine chest x-rays. Most patients (64%) had a single lesion by chest x-ray whereas the remainder had two to three lesions, except for one patient who had "multiple" lesions. There was associated regional lymphadenopathy in five of 14 cases (36%) which, on biopsy, proved to be reactive follicular hyperplasia. The only treatment was surgical excision. Of the seven patients with follow-up information from 8 months to 6 years (mean, 30 mos), none had clinical recurrence and no patient died of disease. The histology and immunophenotype of the lesions were strikingly similar, including abundant reactive germinal centers, intense interfollicular polyclonal plasmacytosis, and a variable degree of interfollicular fibrosis. No case showed a molecular rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene or the minor or major break-point region of the t (14;18). We conclude that nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the lung, although rare, does exist and deserves its place in the spectrum of reactive pulmonary lesions that ranges from follicular hyperplasia to diffuse hyperplasia of the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis).

Adult↗

Malignant lymphoma of the thyroid gland: a clinicopathologic study of 108 cases.

We report a retrospective clinicopathologic study of 108 primary thyroid gland lymphomas (PTLs), classified using the REAL and proposed WHO classification schemes. The patients included 79 women and 29 men, with an average age of 64.3 years. All patients presented with a thyroid mass. The PTLs were classified as marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) or MZBL (n = 30), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with MZBL (n = 36), DLBCL without MZBL (n = 41), and follicle center lymphoma (FCL; n = 1). Excluding the FCL, features of lymphomas of MALT-type were identified in all groups, despite a follicular architecture in 23% of cases. Lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) was identified in 94%. Ninety-one percent of patients presented with stage IE or IIE disease, whereas 69% had perithyroidal soft tissue infiltration. All patients were treated with surgical excision followed by adjuvant therapy (76%): chemotherapy (15%), radiation (19%), or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy (42%). Disease-specific survival was 82% at last follow up (mean, 82.8 mos) and 79% at 5 years. Statistically, stages greater than IE, presence of DLBCL, rapid clinical growth, abundant apoptosis, presence of vascular invasion, high mitotic rate, and infiltration of the perithyroidal soft tissue were significantly associated with death with disease. No patients with MZBL or stage IE disease died with disease. In summary, PTLs typically occur in middle- to older-aged individuals as a thyroid mass, with a predilection for females. Despite their histologic heterogeneity and frequent simulation of other lymphoma subtypes, virtually all PTLs are lymphomas of MALT-type arising in the setting of LT. Mixed DLBCL and MZBL are common. Overall, PTLs have a favorable outcome with appropriate therapy, but prognosis depends on both clinical stage and histology. MZBL and stage IE tumors have an excellent prognosis, whereas tumors with a large cell component or DLBCL or stage greater than IE have the greatest potential for a poor outcome.

Adult↗

Extramedullary manifestation of multiple myeloma (systemic plasmacytoma) that simulates hemangioma.

We describe 2 cases of a unique type of extramedullary manifestation of multiple myeloma (systemic plasmacytoma) that presented as subcutaneous nodules and mediastinal mass, respectively. Both lesions had a similar morphologic appearance, with dilated vascular-like lumina that was separated by thin fibrovascular septa, filled with erythrocytes, and lined by mature and immature plasma cells and plasmacytoid cells. The plasma and plasmacytoid lining cells showed kappa light chain restriction in both cases, consistent with a B-cell monoclonal process. The lining cells were also focally positive for epithelial membrane antigen but were negative for endothelial cell markers. Abundant delicate capillaries were seen in the septa that separated the vascular lumina, mimicking a vascular tumor. Furthermore, we believe that our cases are different from the previously described blood lakes in a plasmacytoma by the presence of well-formed fibrovascular septa that separated the vascular-like spaces. Neoangiogenesis propagated by myeloma cells may contribute to this unusual morphologic manifestation of extramedullary manifestation of multiple myeloma.

Aged↗