Sarcoidal granulomas in the mediastinal lymph nodes after treatment for marginal zone lymphoma of the esophagus: report of a case with review of the concept of the sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome.

Patients with sarcoidosis have a high risk of development of malignant lymphoma, and this association was coined the term "sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome". Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) is a distinct clinicopathological entity, and the stomach is the most common site. The occurrence of this type of lymphoma in the esophagus is extremely rare. In this report, we describe the first documented case of sarcoidal granulomas in the mediastinal lymph nodes after treatment for MALT lymphoma of the esophagus. A 60-year-old Japanese female was found to have a submucosal tumor in the esophagus. Histopathological study revealed proliferation of small- to medium-sized lymphoid cells with convoluted nuclei, and immunohistochemically, these lymphoid cells were diffusely positive for CD20, bcl-2, and MUM1. R-CHOP therapy was performed, which led to tumor remission. Two years later, swelling of the mediastinal lymph nodes was detected. Histopathological study of the lymph nodes revealed presence of variably-sized epithelioid granulomas without caseating necrosis but no malignant lymphoma was noted. Sarcoidal granulomas can be observed in patients with malignant tumors including malignant lymphoma and carcinoma without history of systemic sarcoidosis. It is important to recognize that systemic sarcoidosis and sarcoidal reaction without evidence of systemic disease can occur after development of malignant lymphoma, therefore, sarcoidal reaction must be included in the differential diagnostic consideration of recurrent malignant lymphoma.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma occurring in an atopic dermatitis patient: a case report with review of the literature with emphasis on their association.

Although the risk of malignant lymphoma in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) remains controversial, an increased risk of malignant T-cell lymphoma in patients with AD has been reported. Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) is a relatively common distinct clinicopathological entity. However, occurrence of C-ALCL in patients with AD has been rarely reported. Herein, we describe the 5(th) reported case of C-ALCL occurring in a patient with AD and review the clinicopathological features. A 30-year-old Japanese male with a long-standing history of AD presented with a gradually enlarged nodular lesion in the right abdominal wall, which had spontaneously regressed without therapy. Two years later, multiple nodular lesions appeared in his trunk, and swelling of multiple lymph nodes was also detected. Histopathological studies demonstrated diffuse proliferation of large-sized lymphocytes with large convoluted nuclei containing conspicuous nucleoli and relatively rich cytoplasm in the skin and lymph node. Immunohistochemically, these lymphocytes were positive for CD30, CD8, and MUM1, and negative for CD3, CD4, and ALK1. Accordingly, a diagnosis of primary C-ALCL was made. The patient died of disease after various courses of chemotherapy. Our clinicopathological review revealed that the prognosis of C-ALCL occurring in patients with AD is poor because two of 5 patients died of disease. Therefore, albeit extremely rare, AD patients with C-ALCL should be monitored closely, and additional clinicopathological studies are needed to clarify the pathogenesis of C-ALCL occurring in patients with AD.

Occurrence of Epstein-Barr virus-associated plasmacytic lymphoproliferative disorder after antithymocyte globulin therapy for aplastic anemia: a case report with review of the literature.

It is well established that patients with immunosuppression have a higher risk of development of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with development of LPDs. Aplastic anemia (AA) is an immune-mediated hematological disorder, and immunosuppression therapy (IST), such as antithymocyte globulin (ATG), is widely used for treatment of AA. However, occurrence of LPD without bone marrow transplantation has been extremely rarely documented in patients with IST for AA. Herein, we report the 6th documented case of EBV-associated LPD after IST for AA and review the clinicopathological features of this extremely rare complication. A 46-year-old Japanese female was admitted for evaluation of progressive pancytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy revealed fatty marrow with marked decrease of trilineage cells, and bone marrow aspiration demonstrated no dysplastic changes. IST with rabbit ATG was administered, after which, she developed high fever. Bone marrow aspiration showed increase of atypical plasma cells with mildly enlarged nuclei and irregular nuclear contour. These atypical plasma cells were EBER-positive. Accordingly, a diagnosis of EBV-positive plasmacytic LPD was made. Most cases of LPDs are B-cell origin, and plasmacytic LPD is a rare subtype. The current report is the second case of plasmacytic LPD in patients with IST for AA. Therefore, detailed histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses are needed for correct diagnosis and treatment, and additional studies are needed to clarify the clinicopathological features of EBV-LPD after IST for AA.

Concomitant occurrence of IgG4-related pleuritis and periaortitis: a case report with review of the literature.

IgG4-related sclerosing disease is an established disease entity with characteristic clinicopathological features. Some recent reports have demonstrated that this disease can occur in the respiratory system including the pleura. Herein, we describe the first documented case of concomitant occurrence of IgG4-related pleuritis and periaortitis. A 71-year-old Japanese female with a history of essential thrombocythemia presented with persistent cough and difficulty in breathing. Computed tomography demonstrated thickening of the right parietal pleura, pericardium, and periaortic tissue and pleural and cardiac effusions. Histopathological study of the surgical biopsy specimen of the parietal pleura revealed marked fibrous thickening with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Phlebitis was noted, however, only a few eosinophils had infiltrated. Immunohistochemical study revealed abundant IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration and high ratio of IgG4-/IgG-positive plasma cells (84%). Therefore, a diagnosis of IgG4-related pleuritis was made with consideration of the elevated serum IgG4 level (684 mg/dL). Recently, the spectrum of IgG4-related sclerosing disease has expanded, and this disease can occur in the pleura, pericardium, and periaortic tissue. Although histopathological analysis of the pericardium and periaortic tissue was not performed in the present case, it was suspected that thickening of the pericardium and periaortic tissue was clinically due to IgG4-related sclerosing disease. Our clinicopathological analyses of IgG4-related pleuritis and pericarditis reveal that this disease can present as dyspnea and pleural and pericardial effusion as seen in the present case, therefore, it is important to recognize that IgG4-related sclerosing disease can occur in these organs for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Epstein-Barr virus-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder occurring after bone marrow transplantation for aplastic anemia in Down's syndrome.

It is well established that Down's syndrome exhibits a predisposition to development of leukemia, however, association between aplastic anemia and Down's syndrome is exceptional. Herein, we describe a case of aplastic anemia occurring in Down's syndrome following post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). A 27-year-old Japanese male with Down's syndrome presented with a headache. Laboratory tests revealed severe pancytopenia, and bone marrow biopsy demonstrated hypocellular bone marrow with decrease of trilineage cells, which led to a diagnosis of aplastic anemia. One year after diagnosis, he was incidentally found to have an anterior mediastinal tumor, which was histopathologically diagnosed as seminoma. Subsequently, he received BMT from a female donor, and engraftment was observed. Three months after transplantation, he experienced cough and high fever. Biopsy specimen from the lung revealed diffuse proliferation of large-sized lymphoid cells expressing CD20 and EBER. These lymphoid cells had XY chromosomes. Thus, a diagnosis of EBV-associated PTLD was made. This is the seventh documented case of aplastic anemia occurring in Down's syndrome. Association between aplastic anemia and Down's syndrome has not been established, therefore, additional clinicopathological studies are needed. Moreover, this is the first case to undergo BMT for aplastic anemia in Down's syndrome. Although engraftment was observed, he developed EBV-positive PTLD. The neoplastic cells of the present case were considered to be of recipient origin, although the majority of PTLD cases with BMT are of donor origin.

Primary bone marrow diffuse large B-cell lymphoma accompanying cold agglutinin disease: A case report with review of the literature.

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a well-recognized complication of lymphoproliferative disorders. It has been previously recognized that cases of primary CAD frequently exhibit underlying malignant lymphoma in the bone marrow. Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is the most common subtype of malignant lymphoma; however, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has also been documented, albeit extremely rare. The current report presents a case of primary bone marrow DLBCL accompanying CAD. A 76-year-old male presented with fever and fatigue. Laboratory tests revealed anemia and elevated bilirubin and cold agglutinins with a titer of 8,192 at 4°C. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated DLBCL and systemic surveillance failed to detect tumorous lesions or lymphadenopathy. Following R-THP-COP therapy, cold agglutinins titer was markedly decreased (by <4); however, malignant lymphoma relapsed and cold agglutinin levels increased again (4,096). This is the second documented case of primary bone marrow DLBCL accompanying CAD. Previously, malignant lymphoma exclusively involving the bone marrow, namely primary bone marrow lymphoma (PBML), has been recognized as a rare and aggressive subtype. The analyses of the present study revealed that the incidence of hemolytic anemia in primary bone marrow DLBCL may be high compared with conventional DLBCL. Therefore, additional analyses are required to clarify the clinicopathological features of PBML.

Occurrence of anaplastic large cell lymphoma following IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis and cholecystitis and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

IgG4-related sclerosing disease is an established disease entity with characteristic clinicopathological features. Recently, the association between IgG4-related sclerosing disease and the risk of malignancies has been suggested. IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis with pancreatic cancer has been reported. Further, a few cases of extraocular malignant lymphoma in patients with IgG4-related sclerosing disease have also been documented. Herein, we describe the first documented case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) following IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis and cholecystitis and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A 61-year-old Japanese male, with a past history of DLBCL, was detected with swelling of the pancreas and tumorous lesions in the gallbladder. Histopathological study of the resected gallbladder specimen revealed diffuse lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with fibrosclerosis in the entire gallbladder wall. Eosinophilic infiltration and obliterative phlebitis were also noted. Immunohistochemically, many IgG4-positive plasma cells had infiltrated into the lesion, and the ratio of IgG4/IgG-positive plasma cells was 71.6%. Accordingly, a diagnosis of IgG4-related cholecystitis was made. Seven months later, he presented with a painful tumor in his left parotid gland. Histopathological study demonstrated diffuse or cohesive sheet-like proliferation of large-sized lymphoid cells with rich slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm and irregular-shaped large nuclei. These lymphoid cells were positive for CD30, CD4, and cytotoxic markers, but negative for CD3 and ALK. Therefore, a diagnosis of ALK-negative ALCL was made. It has been suggested that the incidence of malignant lymphoma may be high in patients with IgG4-related sclerosing disease, therefore, intense medical follow-up is important in patients with this disorder.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive large B-cell lymphoma: a case report with emphasis on the cytological features of the pleural effusion.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive large B-cell lymphoma (ALK-positive LBCL) is an extremely rare distinct clinicopathological subtype of LBCL, characterized by the presence of ALK-positive monomorphic large immunoblast-like neoplastic B cells. Herein, we describe the first cytological report on ALK-positive LBCL in the pleural effusion. A 69-year-old Japanese male with a past history of malignant lymphoma of the cecum presented with progressive dyspnea and pleural effusion. Removal of the pleural effusion and aspiration of bone marrow were performed. May-Grünwald-Giemsa stain of the pleural fluid revealed abundant single or small aggregates of large-sized round cells. These cells had centrally-located large round to oval nuclei. The peculiar finding was the presence of pseudopodial cytoplasmic projections, and some neoplastic cells had eosinophilic pseudopodial cytoplasmic projections, which resembled "flaming plasma cells". Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies of the bone marrow demonstrated CD138(+), ALK1(+), CD20(-), CD79a(-), CD30(-), and IgA(+) large-sized neoplastic cells. Therefore, a diagnosis of ALK-positive LBCL was made. The peculiar finding of the present case was that most of the neoplastic cells had pseudopodial cytoplasmic projections, and some of them had eosinophilic pseudopodial cytoplasmic projections that resembled "flaming plasma cells", which has been recognized as the characteristic finding of IgA myeloma. Therefore, tumor cells that resembled "flaming plasma cells" in the pleural effusion may have had IgA in the cytoplasm. Albeit extremely rare, ALK-positive LBCL shows aggressive clinical course, thus, recognition of the cytomorphological features of this type of malignant lymphoma is important for early and correct diagnosis.

Clinicopathological features of acute promyelocytic leukemia: an experience in one institute emphasizing the morphological and immunophenotypic changes at the time of relapse.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has two morphological variants, namely macrogranular (M3) and microgranular (M3v). M3v, characterized by the presence of neoplastic promyelocytes with only sparse fine azurophilic granules, accounts for 10-25% of all APL and has unique biological characteristics. Relapse occurs in approximately 20% of patients with APL. The morphological type of the leukemic cells at relapse is usually identical with the primary disease, and only one case of morphological change at relapse has been reported. Here, we analyzed the clinicopathological features of APL, including 4 relapsed cases emphasizing morphological changes at the time of relapse. The unique finding of the present study is that 2 of 4 relapsed cases changed from M3 to M3v at relapse. The morphological features of these were different in each case (one had blastic features and the other resembled monocytoid leukemic cells). Cytogenetic analyses revealed the continued presence of t(15;17)(q22;q12) at the time of relapse and morphological change. Moreover, the immune phenotype of the leukemic cells changed from CD2(-)/CD34(-) to CD2(+)/CD34(+) at that time. These findings suggest that morphological change at relapse in APL may not be a rare event, and that the leukemic cells can show variable morphological features at the time of relapse, which could result in misdiagnosis as a different type of acute myeloid leukemia. Therefore, a comprehensive approach with emphasis on combined morphological, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic analyses is important for diagnosis and appropriate treatment of relapsed APL.

Methotrexate-related Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disorder occurring in the gingiva of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

It is well recognized that patients with immunodeficiency have a high risk of development of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with the occurrence of LPDs. Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the common cause of iatrogenic-associated LPD, and approximately 40-50% of MTX-related LPD cases occur in extranodal sites. However, the occurrence of MTX-related LPD in the gingiva is extremely rare. Herein, we report the fourth documented case of MTX-related EBV-associated LPD occurring in the gingiva of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A 76-year-old Japanese female with a 10-year history of RA, who was treated with MTX and infliximab, presented with a tumorous lesion in the gingiva. Biopsy of the gingiva tumor revealed diffuse proliferation of large-sized lymphoid cells with cleaved nuclei containing conspicuous nucleoli. These lymphoid cells were CD20- and EBER-positive. Therefore, a diagnosis of MTX-related EBV-associated LPD showing features of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that occurred in the gingiva was made. Although the occurrence of LPD in the oral region, as seen in the present case, is rare, the prevalence of this disorder may be on the rise due to the increased number of patients undergoing immunosuppression therapy. Moreover, immunosenescence can also be a cause of EBV-associated LPD. Therefore, recognition of the occurrence of this disorder in the oral cavity and consideration of the clinical history can facilitate the correct diagnosis.

Prominent gelatinous bone marrow transformation presenting prior to myelodysplastic syndrome: a case report with review of the literature.

Gelatinous bone marrow transformation (GMT) is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of fat cell atrophy, loss of hematopoietic cells, and deposition of extracellular gelatinous materials. GMT is not a specific disease, but is strongly associated with malnutrition and drugs. Albeit extremely rare, GMT has been reported in patients with myeloproliferative disorders. Herein, we report the second documented case of hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) accompanying GMT. A 73-year-old Japanese male with excellent nutrition status and no history of alcohol or drug intake was detected with pancytopenia. The initial bone marrow aspirate specimen reveled hypocellular marrow without dysplastic signs in the myeloid cells. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated hypocellular bone marrow with prominent GMT. He received blood transfusions, however, pancytopenia continued to progress. The second bone marrow aspirate specimen showed dysplastic changes, such as pseudo-Pelger-Huët cells, hypogranular or agranular granulocytes, and megakaryocytes with multiple small nuclei. Cytogenetic study demonstrated deletion of chromosome 7. Therefore, an ultimate diagnosis of hypoplastic MDS accompanying GMT was made. Only a limited number of cases of myeloproliferative disorders with GMT have been reported. Our analysis of these cases revealed that chromosome 7 abnormality is frequently observed in this condition. Moreover, findings from the current case suggested that myeloproliferative disorders including MDS must be included in the differential diagnostic considerations of GMT patients, who have no history of malnutrition or drugs, and careful examination of the bone marrow smear specimen and cytogenetic analysis are necessary for early detection of underlying myeloproliferative disorders.

[Proposal of possible diagnostic strategy for intravascular large B-cell lymphoma--usefulness of biopsy from senile hemangioma].

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare variant of extranodal malignant large B-cell lymphoma characterized by the selective growth of lymphoma cells within the vessels. It is well known that the diagnosis of IVLBCL is sometimes difficult because of heterogeneity of clinical symptoms and the lack of lymphadenopathy and mass formation. Recently, the usefulness of performing random skin biopsy on healthy-appearing skin in patients with suspected of IVLBCL has been reported. Herein, we review the clinicopathological features of consecutive four cases of IVLBCL and discuss the possible diagnostic strategy, including the usefulness of analyzing biopsy specimen from senile hemangioma, in patients with suspected of IVLBCL. One of 4 cases of IVLBCL was diagnosed by random skin biopsies, which were performed in three cases; however, the random skin biopsy specimens showed no atypical lymphocytes in two cases. Biopsy from senile hemangioma clearly revealed accumulation of atypical lymphoid cells within the dilated vessels of senile hemangioma in the remaining three cases, which led to an ultimate diagnosis of IVLBCL. The results of this study demonstrated that performance and analysis of skin biopsy on senile hemangioma in combination with random skin biopsy is useful for the diagnosis of IVLBCL. The performance of combination skin biopsies on cutaneous hemangioma and normal-appearing skin could facilitate and verify early detection of lymphoma cells in patients suspected of IVLBCL, leading to appropriate therapy and good prognosis.

Systemic Epstein-Barr virus-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disease of childhood: Report of a case with review of the literature.

Systemic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) of childhood is an extremely rare and distinct clinicopathological entity. The majority of these cases occur with an apparent primary EBV infection. In this study, we describe a case of systemic EBV-positive T-cell LPD of childhood in a 23-year-old female with primary EBV infection, and review the clinicopathological features of this disease. A 23-year-old previously healthy female without an immunocompromized status presented with an acute onset of high fever. Laboratory examinations revealed a markedly elevated white blood cell count and liver and renal function. Peripheral blood smears identified a number of atypical lymphocytes with small azurophilic granules in the cytoplasm. Bone marrow aspiration revealed marked proliferation of small-sized lymphocytes with convoluted nuclei, which expressed EBER1, CD3, CD8 and cytotoxic granules. Monoclonal rearrangements of T-cell receptors were also detected. The patient underwent chemotherapy, but succumbed to multiorgan failure 20 weeks after administration. Upon review of 17 cases of this disease, including the one in the present study, we identified that the major clinicopathological features of systemic EBV-positive T-cell LPD of childhood are as follows: i) clonal systemic proliferation of EBV-infected T-cells that appear morphologically innocuous with an activated cytotoxic phenotype; ii) a high prevalence in the Asian population, commonly affecting children and young adults; iii) a predilection for males; iv) most commonly involved sites are the liver, spleen, lymph node and bone marrow, and the main clinical presentations are hepatosplenomegaly, fever and pancytopenia; v) almost all cases have an aggressive clinical course, which results in mortality. Cytological atypia of the neoplastic cells in this disease, as observed in the present case, is minimal. This study revealed that the cytomorphological features of atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood are indistinguishable from those of infectious mononucleosis.