Subcutaneous Panniculitic T-cell Lymphoma

ABSTRACT

Subcutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma(SPTCL) is a rare subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma that clinically and histologically mimics benign panniculitis. SPTCL is characterized by subcutaneous nodules on the extremities and trunk. It has a tendency to occur mainly in female adults with eosinophilia, pruritus or hemophagocytic syndromes. Histopathologically, typical lesions of SPTCL show moderate to dense lymphocytic infiltrates in the subcutaneous fat, primarily involving the lobules. Early lesions may show only focal lymphocytic atypia later lesions display karyorrhexis, necrosis and cytophagia. A 34-year-old woman presented with multiple, recurrent, tender subcutaneous nodules on the abdomen and extremities which she had had for 13 years. There was no hepatosplenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. Skin biopsy specimens revealed atypical small and large lymphocytic infiltrations in the subcutaneous tissue. Occasionally, histiocytes contained erythrocytes and lymphocytes in their cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical staining showed positive reactions to CD45RO and CD43. Negative reactions were seen to CD20, Leu-7 and lysozyme antigen. On the basis of the clinical & histological findings, we established the diagnosis of SPTCL.