Giant lamellar bodies as a feature of pulmonary low-grade MALT lymphomas

Pulmonary lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type: report of a case with cytological, histological, immunophenotypical correlation, and review of the literature

A 59-year-old woman presented to The University of South Alabama, Mobile, Ala, with the complaint of shortness of breath. A chest radiograph showed bilateral nodules and interstitial infiltrates. The diagnosis of lymphoma was suggested on bronchial brush smears. Biopsy revealed a multifocal centrocyte-like lymphoid infiltrate involving the bronchial walls with lymphoepithelial lesions. The lymphocytes were positive for CD19, CD20, and CD22. A diagnosis of pulmonary lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type was established and the patient responded to chemotherapy treatment. Over the following 5 years, she suffered at least 2 recurrences involving the lung and breast for which she received additional treatment.

Malignant and benign lymphoid lesions of the lung

Lymphoid lesions of the lung produce a complex of problems for the practicing pathologist. Although these lesions are eventually referred to hematopathologists, it is still the general surgical pathologist who first encounters them and confronts the problem of formulating an initial diagnosis. Over the last 20 years there has been a revolution in our knowledge of the classification and natural history of the pulmonary lesions, a plethora of information which warrants a thorough review. The purpose of this discussion is to report the clinical features and courses, pathologic features and, when known, etiologies or pathogenesis of the major "primary" pulmonary lymphoid lesions and present a brief approach to differential diagnosis. I will divide the lesions into malignant and benign, discussing each in turn.

Function of surfactant proteins B and C

SP-B is the only surfactant-associated protein absolutely required for postnatal lung function and survival. Complete deficiency of SP-B in mice and humans results in lethal, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and is characterized by a virtual absence of lung compliance, highly disorganized lamellar bodies, and greatly diminished levels of SP-C mature peptide; in contrast, lung structure and function in SP-C null mice is normal. This review attempts to integrate recent findings in humans and transgenic mice with the results of in vitro studies to provide a better understanding of the functions of SP-B and SP-C and the structural basis for their actions.