Values of CD21 and CD43 expression in differential diagnosis of mucosa-associated marginal zone B-cell lymphoma from benign lymphadenosis / 白血病·淋巴瘤

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the values of CD21 and CD43 proteins in the differential diagnosis of mucosa-associated marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MALToma) from benign lymphadenosis. Methods The expression of CD21 and CD43 proteins in the tissues of 25 MALToma (case group) and 25 benign lymphadenosis (control group) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Abnormal CD21+follicular dendritic cells (FDC) meshes were found in all patients of case group. Most of the FDC meshes were sparse and broken, and a few were enlarged or fused into pieces. Intact CD21+FDC meshes were all found, and abnormal FDC meshes were not found in control group. The positive rate of abnormal FDC meshes in case group was significantly increased compared with that in control group (χ2 = 46.080, P= 0.000). The expression rate of CD43+in CD20+cells was 24 % (6/25) in case group, but it was negative in control group (χ2=4.375, P=0.030). Conclusions Abnormal CD21+FDC meshes and CD43+expression in CD20+cells are useful in the differential diagnosis between MALToma and benign lymphadenosis. The abnormal FDC meshes of MALToma are enlarged or fused in the minority of cases.