Abstract
Introduction/Objective
Growth patterns of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hogdkin lymphoma (NLPHL) has been further described by Fan et all. Pattern E is T cell/histiocyte rich large B-cell lymphoma-like and is quite rare. The treatment usually may follow large B cell lymphoma protocol instead of Hodgkin lymphoma regimen.
Methods
Here we report a patient with NLPHL pattern E. Patient was a 25 years-old African American man who initially presented with generalized lymphadenopathy.
Results
Biopsy of the axillary lymph node revealed effaced lymph node architecture by a malignant neoplasm in a diffuse and vaguely nodular pattern. In the background of a diffuse infiltrate, there were small to medium sized lymphocytes, numerous atypical large cells with irregular, basophilic nucleoli, and variable cytoplasm. The large cells focally sheeted out. Many histiocytes were also seen in the background. The large atypical cells were positive for CD20, BOB-1, OCT2, BCL-2 (focally), BCL-6, PAX5, and MUM-1, and IgD, whereas negative for BCL-1, CD10, CD15, CD30. CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8 highlighted numerous T cells with mild cytological atypia, forming rosettes around the large atypical cells. T cells were negative for ALK-1, CD1a, TdT with increased Ki-67 proliferation index around 35%. Although the surrounding T cells appear atypical in morphology, flow cytometric analysis showed predominantly reactive T-cells with no loss of T-cell associated antigens. PCR analysis showed a producible peak in a single IgH reaction. However, the fragment size of the peak observed did not meet the criteria. T-cell gene rearrangement by TCR gamma and TCR beta PCR was negative for monoclonal T-cells. BCL-1, BCL-2, and BCL-6 FISH panel were negative for gene rearrangements. Based on these findings the diagnosis was made at stage IV. Patient started treatment with R-CHOP therapy with subsequent relapse. Patient has been placed on RICE chemotherapy with partial response.
Conclusion
NLPHL Pattern E type should be differentiated from classical Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and peripheral T cell lymphoma because the treatment greatly differs from those with higher stage and tendency for recurrence. It is the pathologist role to lead the clinician and render a correct histopathologic diagnosis.
Flow cytometric immunophenotyping including Bcl-2 detection on fine needle aspirates of lymph node in the diagnosis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma