Implications of left ventricular function on short-term outcomes in COVID-19 patients with myocardial injury

Background/Introduction

Myocardial injury is a complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Purpose

We sought to describe a large multi-centre experience of COVID-19 patients with myocardial injury, examining the prognostic role left ventricular function plays on short-term outcomes.

Methods

We included adult COVID-19 patients admitted to our health system with evidence of myocardial injury and who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) during index admission. Patients were dichotomized into those with reduced ejection fraction (EF; <50%) and preserved EF (>50%).

Results

Across our 11-hospital system, 5032 adult patients were admitted with COVID-19 from March-September 2020. Of these, 235 had evidence of myocardial injury (troponin >1 ng/mL). Included were 134 patients who underwent TTE, of whom 43.3% (n=58) had reduced EF and 56.7% (n=76) preserved EF (Figure 1). A subset of 6 patients had newly reduced EF, with 5 demonstrating evidence of stress cardiomyopathy and subsequently dying. Overall, mortality was high in those with reduced EF and preserved EF (in-hospital: 34.5% vs. 28.9%; p=0.494; 6 months: 63.6% vs. 50.0%; p=0.167; Kaplan-Meier estimates: p=0.2886). Readmissions were frequent in both groups (30 days: 22.2% vs. 26.0%; p=0.162; 6 months: 52.0% vs. 54.5%; p=0.839) (Figure 2).

Conclusions

Many COVID-19 patients admitted with evidence of myocardial injury did not undergo TTE. For those who did, short-term mortality was high. Patients who survived hospitalisation had frequent readmissions. In patients with newly reduced EF, most had evidence of stress cardiomyopathy and expired. Larger studies are needed to fully evaluate the prognosis of COVID-19 patients with evidence of myocardial injury and left ventricular dysfunction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1-positive T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in a child. Report of a case and review of the literature

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma is a monoclonal T-cell neoplasm associated with human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) that occurs almost exclusively in adults. This report concerns a Romanian girl who had recurrent skin eruptions since infancy, subcutaneous tumors in childhood, and peripheral blood lymphocytosis, which initially developed at the age of 12 years. The circulating lymphocytes were of helper T-cell immunophenotype. Serologic studies demonstrated a number of HTLV-1 antigens in the child and her mother, and molecular analyses revealed monoclonal T-cell-receptor gamma gene rearrangement and detectable HTLV-1 proviral DNA. Conventional cytogenetic studies revealed a t(3;6)(q23;q27) chromosome translocation in most of the neoplastic cells. The patient initially responded well to interferon alfa therapy and showed regression of skin lesions and diminished lymphocytosis, but 4 years later, she developed massive lymphadenopathy and leukemic infiltration of the breast. At last clinical follow-up, at the age of 17 years, the patient had stable low-level peripheral lymphocytosis and subcutaneous tumors while being continuously treated with interferon alfa. Our review of the literature revealed six additional children with HTLV-1-associated T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, including one case with a similar clinical presentation and ethnic background. To our knowledge, the t(3;6)(q23;q27) translocation identified in this patient's neoplasm has not been previously reported in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma cases and may explain the early onset of disease. Although adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma is rare in Romania, the identification of healthy carriers and vertical transmission raise the possibility that Romania might be an endemic region for HTLV-1 infection.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoproliferative disorders involving the spleen

One hundred eight splenectomy specimens involved by lymphoid neoplasms were studied to assess the frequency and pattern of involvement of the various disease groups. Cases were classified by the Working Formulation as well as by the Revised European-American classification of lymphoid neoplasms. Including the more recently described disease entities, large cell/immunoblastic lymphomas were the most common neoplasm, both primarily and secondarily, to involve the spleen (33.3% of all cases). The next most common lymphoid neoplasm to involve the spleen was chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma, found in 19.4% of cases, followed by follicular center cell lymphoma (13.0%), lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma (9.3%), splenic marginal zone lymphoma (8.3%), mantle cell lymphoma (6.5%), and hairy cell leukemia (6.5%). The remaining 3.7% of cases included T-cell proliferations and one difficult-to-classify mixed cell lymphoma. More than 95% of the cases could be placed into one of three morphologic patterns of splenic involvement, i.e., 57.4% of spleens were involved by predominantly white pulp disease, 20.4% by predominantly nodular disease, without a predilection for white or red pulp, and 17.6% by predominantly red pulp disease. Although the white pulp and nodular patterns were primarily, but not exclusively, B-cell disorders, specimens with predominantly red pulp disease included all of the cases of hairy cell leukemia, as well as cases of both B- and T-cell lymphomas.

Rosette-forming non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Homer Wright rosettes, typically found in neuroblastomas and consisting of neoplastic cells surrounding an eosinophilic fibrillary centre without a lumen, have been considered as an important finding in the differential diagnosis of small round cell tumours. Rosettes in a neoplasm involving lymph nodes or bone marrow traditionally excluded a diagnosis of malignant lymphoma. In this report, we describe three cases of malignant lymphoma (two small lymphocytic and one diffuse large cell) with pronounced rosette formation. One of the two cases of small lymphocytic lymphoma was observed in the bone marrow, the other small lymphocytic lymphoma and the large cell lymphoma were in lymph nodes. The rosettes consisted of neoplastic lymphoid cells, often with participation of reactive macrophages, and ultrastructurally they had a central mass of interdigitating fibrillary cytoplasmic projections. Two cases were of B-cell lineage and one was of T-cell lineage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T-cell lymphoma with rosettes. Based on these findings, it is suggested that non-Hodgkin's lymphoma be included in the differential diagnosis of rosette-forming round cell neoplasms.

Follicular small lymphocytic lymphoma

We herein provide evidence for the existence of a distinct morphologic form of small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) that we term follicular small lymphocytic lymphoma (FSLL). Nine specimens of FSLL from eight patients were studied. The lymphomas in this study showed a true follicular pattern that was independent of tissue planes; the cytologic composition was identical to that seen in SLL. All six of the specimens (from five patients) for which paraffin tissue was available marked as B cell phenotype and were positive for bcl-2 protein. Polymerase chain reaction studies performed on deparaffinized tissue sections showed bcl-2 major breakpoint region rearrangements in four of five cases for which study tissue was available. Clinical information was available for all eight patients. All patients presented with lymph node disease, and three patients also had extranodal involvement at the time of presentation. Three of the patients had a relapse of disease after 33-95 months, and two of these patients died soon after relapse. Another two of the eight patients never responded to chemotherapy and died of their disease after 2 and 8 months, respectively. Two patients died of causes unrelated to their lymphoma and unrelated to any lymphoma therapy. Only one patient remains disease-free, after 65 months; this patient had a relapse at 44 months. The finding of bcl-2 rearrangements suggests that the pathogenesis of FSLL is more closely related to follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma than to classic SLL.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the breast

Breast involvement by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is rare. Differences between primary and secondary breast lymphoma have been reported, and a relationship between primary breast lymphoma and lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue has been suggested. We reviewed 61 cases of breast lymphoma (41 primary, 13 secondary, and 7 unclear) that included 28 right-sided masses at presentation, 17 left-sided, 12 bilateral, and 4 in which the side was not known. A subgroup of bilateral breast lymphomas was identified that occurred in young women, four of which were pregnant or postpartum. A high incidence of intermediate- and high-grade lymphomas were present in both cases of primary and secondary lymphomas as was a high frequency of B-cell phenotype. Additional immunohistochemical studies failed to demonstrate evidence of marginal or mantle cell differentiation in seven of eight cases studied. Lymphoepithelial lesions were identified in a majority of cases, including 67% of primary and 64% of secondary lymphomas. This study failed to demonstrate a morphologic difference between primary or secondary lymphomas of the breast and suggests that breast lymphomas differ from other extranodal lymphomas in that the latter are frequently low grade.

Stability of fluconazole in an extemporaneously prepared oral liquid

The stability of fluconazole in an extemporaneously prepared oral liquid was studied. An aqueous liquid formulation of fluconazole was prepared by reconstituting the powder from triturated 100-mg tablets with deionized water; the nominal fluconazole concentration was 1 mg/mL. Glass vials of the liquid were stored in the dark at 4, 23, and 45 degrees C and sampled immediately and after 1, 2, 3, and 15 days. Samples were analyzed in duplicate for fluconazole concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography. The concentration of fluconazole was virtually unchanged under all the storage conditions. The results were confirmed by analysis of variance. Fluconazole 1 mg/mL in an extemporaneously prepared oral liquid was stable at 4, 23, and 45 degrees C for up to 15 days.

High-grade transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Genotypic confirmation of clonal identity

The abrupt appearance of a high-grade tumor in patients with low-grade malignant lymphoma usually is associated with an accelerated clinical disease course. The high-grade lymphoma may take a variety of histologic forms and often, but not always, represents evolution of the original low-grade disease, as shown by immunophenotypic or immunogenotypic studies. The authors describe the transformation of a variety of low-grade B-cell neoplasms to high-grade tumors in four patients. The initial diagnoses included chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma in one patient each and low-grade follicular lymphoma in two patients. The high-grade tumors were classified as lymphoblastic lymphoma in one patient and small noncleaved cell lymphoma in two patients. The high-grade component manifests primarily in the peripheral blood as circulating blast-like cells consistent with large-cell lymphoma in the remaining patient. In each case, immunophenotypic studies showed identical monoclonal surface immunoglobulin expression on the low- and high-grade tumors. Immunoglobulin heavy chain gene and kappa light chain gene studies showed identical clonally rearranged bands in paired samples from three of the four patients, a finding indicative of clonal identity. Unexpectedly, dissimilar immunoglobulin light and heavy chain gene rearrangements were detected in the paired samples from one patient with previously diagnosed follicular lymphoma, making the relationship of the two tumors from this patient uncertain; however, additional Southern blot analysis of the bcl-2 gene showed identical rearrangements in both lesions. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction across the t(14;18) major breakpoint region in both tumors amplified nucleotide fragments of identical size, confirming the clonal identity of the low- and high-grade lymphomas despite the divergent immunoglobulin gene studies. These studies show that low-grade malignant lymphomas of small lymphocytic, mantle cell, or follicular small cleaved cell types may assume high-grade morphologic characteristics, that this change is the result of transformation of the preexisting low-grade malignant neoplasm, and that this progression, like typical Richter's syndrome, is associated with a dramatically accelerated clinical course. In addition, these studies confirm previous reports that disparate immunoglobulin light and heavy chain gene rearrangements are not necessarily an indicator of different cellular origins, and additional genotypic studies occasionally may be required to show the clonal identity of the cell population involved in these morphologic transformations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Extramedullary myeloid cell tumors. An immunohistochemical and morphologic study of 28 cases

In an attempt to correlate the morphologic and immunophenotypic findings in extramedullary myeloid cell tumors (EMT), we studied 28 cases with a large panel of antibodies using paraffin section immunohistochemistry. A previous or concurrent diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia or chronic myelogenous leukemia was made in 25 cases. Six EMT were morphologically classified as well differentiated (WD-EMT), 17 as poorly differentiated (PD-EMT), and five as blastic EMT. The WD-EMT were easily recognized morphologically and displayed a relatively mature myeloid phenotype, with elastase, CD15, and CD68 positivity in all cases. On the other hand, the five blastic-EMT displayed no morphologic evidence of myeloid derivation, were completely negative for CD15, and were weakly positive for elastase in only one case. The PD-EMT, with a morphologic appearance that resembles large cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, variably expressed CD15 and elastase. CD68 and lysozyme were present in the majority of PD-EMT, with some variability, but were negative in most blastic-EMT. CD45 (LCA) was detected in 75% of all EMT and CD34 was positive in 36%; neither antigen was significantly associated with a specific morphology. CD30 reactivity was not evident in any case, but slight positive staining was seen with CD20 (L26) in one WD-EMT. CD43 (Leu 22) was the only antibody that was positive in 100% of cases; staining was always intense and widespread. Antimyeloperoxidase (MPO) was positive in all cases but two, both with a blastic morphology. We conclude that (a) an immunohistochemical panel including CD20, CD43, CD68, and MPO can successfully identify the vast majority (96%) of EMT in paraffin sections, and (b) there is an association between morphology and phenotype in these lesions.

Reed-Sternberg-like cells in low-grade lymphomas are transformed neoplastic cells of B-cell lineage

Multinucleated giant cells resembling Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells are occasionally observed in high-grade lymphomas of the large-cell or immunoblastic type, but much less commonly in low-grade lymphomas. This study was conducted to determine whether RS-like cells found in seven B-cell low-grade lymphomas were immunologically similar to the neoplastic cells in the lymphoma or to the true RS cells seen in Hodgkin's disease, and whether they were therefore indicative of a composite lymphoma. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on paraffin sections of the seven low-grade (one small lymphocytic, one mantle zone, and five follicular) lymphomas with a panel of antibodies reactive with leukocyte common antigen (LCA), B-cell, T-cell, and Hodgkin's disease associated antigens. The RS-like cells were reactive with LCA (four of six), L26 (seven of seven), LN1 (five of six), LN2 (two of six), and MB2 (three of six). No positive staining was seen with either Leu-M1 or Ber-H2. The RS-like cells in the mantle zone lymphoma expressed L26, Leu-22, and kappa cytoplasmic light chains. This immunophenotype is similar to that of the neoplastic small lymphocytic cells. One of the low-grade follicular lymphomas progressed to an immunoblastic lymphoma with many RS-like cells. Paraffin immunohistochemistry on both lesions revealed a similar B-cell phenotype for the RS-like cells. Immunogenetic studies revealed B-cell and bcl-2 gene rearrangements in the immunoblastic lymphoma. These results indicate that RS-like cells in low-grade lymphomas are transformed neoplastic cells of B-cell lineage. With careful morphologic examination augmented by immunohistochemical studies, these lesions can be differentiated from Hodgkin's disease and from composite lymphomas of the combined Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's type.

True Histiocytic Malignancy Associated With a Malignant Teratoma in a Patient With 46XY Gonadal Dysgenesis

The relatively frequent association of hematologic neoplasia and primary mediastinal germ cell tumors has been reported. Of these hematologic malignancies, nine were classified as malignant histiocytosis or acute monoblastic leukemia, and all occurred in males. We now report on a patient who was phenotypically female, with 46XY gonadal dysgenesis, and who developed a true histiocytic malignancy that presented as a large hepatic tumor and also involved the spleen, right kidney, and lymph nodes. Twenty-six months before the development of the histiocytic malignancy, an ovarian malignant teratoma with yolk sac elements was removed; the patient subsequently received chemotherapy. The neoplasm was composed of large pleomorphic cells and the histiocytic nature was established by cytologic, cytochemical, immunologic, and ultrastructural studies. In the course of her illness, the patient developed classic acute monoblastic leukemia 8 months after the diagnosis of histiocytic malignancy. Karyotypic analysis of the hepatic tumor, bone marrow, and blood showed 46XY gonadal dysgenesis. We believe that this is the first reported case of a phenotypically female patient who developed these two rare malignancies. It suggests that the association between germ cell tumors and histiocytic malignancy in genotypically male individuals may not be coincidental or secondary to therapy, but may be a phenomenon related to dysgenetic gonads in the presence of a Y chromosome.

Malignant histiocytosis X. A distinct clinicopathologic entity

Histiocytosis X (HX) is characterized morphologically by a proliferation of Langerhans' cells (LC), and most often has an indolent, chronic course. To determine whether a distinct clinicopathologic entity of malignant histiocytosis X exists, the authors examined tissues from 31 patients with HX and divided them into four categories. Group A (19 patients) was characterized morphologically by benign-appearing LC and had an indolent course. The male:female (M:F) ratio was 10:9, and the mean age was 21 years (range, 2 months to 60 years). The immunophenotype of this group was S-100+, vimentin+, LN-2+, LN-3+, lysozyme-, LCA-, Leu-M1-. Group B (three patients) had benign-appearing LC, yet had an aggressive clinical course. All patients were male, with a mean age of 47 years (range, 3 years to 72 years). Organs involved included the liver, spleen, heart, thymus, lung, kidney, and pancreas. The immunophenotype was the same as for Group A. Group C (two patients) had atypical and malignant appearing LC, yet a relatively benign clinical course. The ages were four and 65 years, with one female and one male patient. In both patients, the cells were S-100+, vimentin+, LN-2+, LN-3+, and LCA-. Group D (seven patients) was characterized by atypical and malignant-appearing LC and an aggressive clinical course. The mean age was 25 years (range, congenital to 54 years) with one female and six male patients. Organs involved were the thymus, lungs, spleen, liver, kidney, brain, heart, pancreas, stomach, and muscle. Birbeck granules were found in two patients, and the one patient on which fresh tissue was available was CD1+. The typical immunophenotype was S-100+, vimentin+, LN-2+, LN-3+, Leu-M1-, lysozyme-. The results of our study indicate that (1) a distinct clinical entity of malignant HX, characterized morphologically by malignant-appearing LC and clinically by male predominance, atypical organ involvement, and an aggressive clinical course, does exist; and (2) the morphologic appearance of the LC is an imperfect predictor of the clinical severity of HX.

Monocytoid B-cell lymphoma in patients with Sjögren's syndrome: a clinicopathologic study of 13 patients

A recent clinicopathologic study of a series of patients with monocytoid B-cell lymphoma (MBCL) indicated that there is a frequent association between MBCL and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and raised the possibility of a relationship between these two disease entities. To further investigate the possible relationship of MBCL and SS, we studied pathologic and clinical characteristics of 13 patients with MBCL who had clinically documented SS. In all patients, the lymphoma had the characteristic morphologic features of MBCL, and immunologic and molecular hybridization studies confirmed the B-cell nature of the lymphoma. Twelve of the 13 patients were female, with a median age of 66 years at diagnosis. Eleven had localized disease and presented with either salivary gland or cervical lymph node enlargement; one patient presented with a breast mass, and another with generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. In five of 13 patients, the MBCL was associated with or progressed to large cell lymphoma. In two patients, there was bilateral involvement of the parotid gland; one had a synchronous high-grade lymphoma in both parotid glands. In two patients, bone marrow biopsies showed involvement by MBCL. Eleven patients are alive 2 to 55 months after the diagnosis of MBCL. One patient died with the disease 8 months after the initial diagnosis. Another patient died of an unrelated cause without evidence of disease 16 months after the diagnosis of MBCL. We conclude that there is a more than fortuitous association between MBCL and SS. This concept is consistent with previously reported observations of reactive monocytoid B cells in patients with benign lymphoepithelial lesions of salivary glands, which may result from selective homing of reactive monocytoid B lymphocytes to the benign lymphoepithelial lesions and their subsequent neoplastic transformation.

Genotype and phenotype: a practical approach to the immunogenetic analysis of lymphoproliferative disorders

Determination of cell lineage and clonality in lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) is greatly enhanced by molecular genetic analysis in conjunction with morphologic and immunologic techniques. We now report on a technique in which we used cryostat-cut, fresh-frozen sections (CCFFS) prepared from tissues in a manner that allows DNA hybridization studies to be coordinated readily with routine morphologic and immunohistologic studies. Thirty-seven cases representing a broad spectrum of reactive and malignant LPD were examined with this method. Samples of DNA were extracted from frozen sections, subjected to Southern blot hybridization, and probed for rearrangements of the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy-chain and the kappa and lambda light-chain genes, as well as for the T-cell receptor beta-chain gene. We also evaluated the effects of (1) diagnostic category of LPD, (2) volume of the tissue sample, and (3) fibrosis, necrosis, and ice crystal artifacts in the sample on the recovery of DNA. Ice artifact and sample size had the greatest negative impacts on the quantity and condition of DNA recovered. Of 19 samples involved by B-cell LPD, the results of immunogenetic studies were consistent with the immunophenotypes in all but one case. Of the T-cell lymphomas from which sufficient DNA was available (three out of five of the T-cell cases), all showed rearrangements of the T-cell beta-chain gene. In order to reduce sample processing time, we evaluated alternate blot hybridization methods, rapid alkaline transfers, and direct hybridization of synthetic oligonucleotides in dried agarose gels, and found that they decreased the time required for hybridization studies. In summary, the use of CCFFS as the source of DNA allows study of gene rearrangements and, at the same time, preserves frozen-tissue blocks in tumor banks for further immunologic studies. The development of time-effective methods will make the routine use of molecular-genetic analysis more practical in the diagnostic hematopathology laboratory.

Analysis of antigen receptor gene rearrangements in ethanol and formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens

Molecular hybridization analysis of DNA prepared from frozen specimens obtained from patients with lymphoproliferative disorders has aided in the determination of the lineage and clonality of the neoplastic cells in many cases. We investigated whether high molecular weight DNA suitable for nucleic acid hybridization studies could also be prepared from fixed, paraffin-embedded material. After selecting nine representative cases, we extracted DNA from frozen sections by using standard methods, and from ethanol-fixed tissue in paraffin blocks. The yields of DNA from ethanol-fixed blocks were similar to yields from frozen tissue. DNA from frozen and ethanol-fixed tissues was subjected to Southern blot hybridization and probed for rearrangements of immunoglobulin heavy, and kappa, and lambda light chain genes, as well as for the T cell receptor beta-chain gene. In each of the cases, comparable results were obtained, regardless of the source of DNA. DNA extracted from ethanol-fixed blocks stored for 2 years gave identical results. We also prepared DNA from formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue obtained from six of the patients. Five of the specimens yielded spoolable DNA (average recovered, 313 micrograms), but the DNA was degraded more than that obtained from the frozen or ethanol-fixed specimens. Formaldehyde-treated DNA gave variable results in Southern blot hybridization studies, and less than half of the results were interpretable. We conclude that ethanol-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues provide an excellent source of DNA for nucleic-acid hybridization studies, and that they are easily handled and stored.

Additional evidence that "plasmacytoid T-cell lymphoma" associated with chronic myeloproliferative disorders is of macrophage/monocyte origin

Plasmacytoid T-cell lymphoma (PTL) is a rare lymphoma with unique morphologic, immunologic, and clinical features. Thus far, only three cases have been reported, each terminating in myeloid leukemia. The macrophage/monocyte rather than T-cell origin of "plasmacytoid T-cells" in reactive lymph nodes has been suggested in the past, but there has been no extensive investigation to demonstrate whether the PTLs are also of this lineage. The authors now report on a patient with PTL who had a long history of clinically stable idiopathic myelofibrosis. Immunocytochemical staining of the neoplastic plasmacytoid cells, with a large panel of monoclonal antibodies used on fresh-frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue sections, showed that the neoplastic cells expressed several macrophage/monocyte-associated markers, i.e., CD31, CD36 (thrombospondin receptor), and CD68 (KP1). Other markers of the macrophage/monocyte lineage (e.g., CD11b, CD11c, CD16) were absent. The neoplastic cells lacked B-cell-associated antigens and lacked most T-cell-associated markers, with the exception of CD2 and CD4. These findings are in close agreement with those of previous studies on normal plasmacytoid T-cells and support the macrophage/monocytic origin of PTL. Molecular hybridization studies provided additional support for the nonlymphoid origin of the plasmacytoid cells by demonstrating the absence of T-cell-receptor beta-chain and immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene rearrangements in the neoplastic cells. The results of the authors' studies indicate that "plasmacytoid T-cell lymphoma" associated with a chronic myeloproliferative disorder is of macrophage/monocyte lineage.

Surface immunoglobulin-positive lymphoblastic lymphoma. A report of three cases

Lymphoblastic lymphomas (LBL) are a morphologically homogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas which are indistinguishable in tissue sections from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Although initial immunologic studies of LBL suggested that these lymphomas are of the T-cell phenotype, investigations have recently described patients with LBL having pre-B-cell, "common" ALL, and natural killer cell phenotypes. The authors recently reported detailed immunophenotypic characteristics in 36 cases of LBL, including a single case of LBL with a surface immunoglobulin-positive B-cell phenotype. Three additional patients with LBL whose cells expressed monoclonal serum immunoglobulins are presented here. In addition, the neoplastic lymphocytes expressed several B-cell-associated antigens. The tumor cells in the single case tested were TdT-negative. Despite the unusual immunologic phenotype, the morphologic features in all three cases were characteristic of LBL. In addition to the previously reported single case, to the authors' knowledge these are the only reported cases of a previously unrecognized variant of LBL: surface immunoglobulin-positive, B-cell LBL.

A clinicopathologic study of malignant lymphomas of the nose, paranasal sinuses, and hard palate, including cases of lethal midline granuloma

Malignant lymphomas of the nose, paranasal sinuses, and hard palate show marked clinicopathologic, immunologic, and prognostic diversity. The clinical features and pathologic spectrum of these lesions were studied in 20 cases (11 female and 9 male cases) with a mean age of 51 years at initial presentation. Malignant lymphomas of the large cell type were most frequently encountered (11/20). The next largest category was malignant lymphoma, diffuse, mixed small and large cell type (six of 20). Two thirds, 13 of 20 cases, had morphologic features suggestive of peripheral T-cell lymphomas. Necrosis, an angiocentric growth pattern, and epitheliotropism were found in nine, eight, and three cases, respectively. Of ten cases immunophenotyped on fresh-frozen or fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, eight had a T-cell phenotype and two had a B-cell phenotype. Of 17 patients with sufficient follow-up data, ten are alive (median follow-up 33 months) and seven are dead (median survival 12 months). Patients with clinical Stages IE and IIE did not have a superior 5-year survival to those with more advanced disease. Histologic type also did not correlate with survival but this may be due to the aggressive histologic grade of the majority of cases and the retrospective nature of this study. The authors conclude that, despite the overall high-grade histologic type, the pathologic spectrum of malignant lymphomas involving this anatomic region is broad. Furthermore, some cases do not fit well into the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Working Formulation but more closely resemble the histologic features of peripheral T-cell lymphomas described in Japan.

Relationship between eosinophil density and T-cell activation markers in lymph nodes of patients with Hodgkin's disease

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is characterized morphologically by a variable infiltration of tissues by eosinophilic granulocytes. The lesions also contain numerous T cells, predominantly of the CD4+ immunophenotype. To investigate whether the presence or absence of tissue eosinophilia is related to the immunophenotype of the T cells, we studied 43 cases of HD (28 nodular sclerosing, ten mixed cellularity, and five unclassifiable) for the relative numbers of lymphocytes positive for CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD25, CD38, T9, TQ1, HLA-DR, and beta F1, and for the number of eosinophils in tissue sections. By univariate and multivariate analysis, we determined that there was an inverse relationship between the number of eosinophils and the presence of TQ1+ (P less than .0005) and CD25+ (P less than .0005) lymphocytes. In addition, we observed that TQ1 stained the Reed-Sternberg cells in these lesions. We also determined that the T cells expressed HLA-DR more frequently in the nodular sclerosis subtype than in other subtypes of HD (P less than or equal to .0001). We therefore conclude that the degree of tissue eosinophilia in the lymph nodes of patients with HD may be explained, at least in part, by the immunophenotype of the T cells present in the affected lymph nodes.

Imprint cytology of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas based on a study of 212 immunologically characterized cases: correlation of touch imprints with tissue sections

The classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) has been traditionally based on analysis of histologic sections and has been supplemented more recently by immunologic marker studies. It was the purpose of the present study to illustrate, side-by-side, sections and Romanowsky-stained imprints from the same surgical specimen from practically all categories of immunophenotyped NHLs, including rare and atypical variants that were difficult to classify from the histologic sections alone. Our results indicate that imprint cytology may reveal nuclear and cytoplasmic details not discernible in even the best tissue sections and that it may be selectively helpful in contributing to the classification of NHLs. Our results also show that the relative value of imprint cytology in the classification of malignant lymphomas varies greatly among categories. Specifically, we have found that imprints assist in three ways: the recognition of plasmacytoid features in small cell lymphocytic lymphomas, the recognition of plasmacytoid immunoblastic lymphoma, and the differentiation between NHLs which may be difficult to distinguish histologically. These include (1) small lymphocytic lymphoma versus lymphocytic lymphoma of intermediate differentiation, (2) true histiocytic malignancies versus large cell malignant lymphomas with abundant cytoplasm and/or phagocytosis, (3) anaplastic myeloma versus plasmacytoid immunoblastic lymphoma, (4) large noncleaved versus plasmacytoid immunoblastic lymphoma, (5) lymphoblastic lymphoma versus diffuse small cleaved cell lymphoma, and (6) lymphoblastic lymphoma versus small noncleaved cell lymphoma. Lymph node imprints are easy to prepare and readily interpretable by those experienced in the study of abnormal blood and bone marrow films. Their value as an ancillary methodology aimed at optimal accuracy in the classification of NHLs should be recognized.

Monocytoid B-cell lymphoma: its evolution and relationship to other low-grade B-cell neoplasms

Monocytoid B-cell lymphoma (MBCL) is a newly recognized B-cell neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis. The cytologic features of the neoplastic monocytoid B lymphocytes are virtually identical to those of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). As with HCL, progression of MBCL to a higher histologic grade is very unusual. However, whereas circulating leukemic cells are a characteristic feature of HCL, peripheral blood involvement has not been reported in MBCL. We recently studied a patient with MBCL of the spleen and axillary lymph nodes who developed peripheral blood involvement by MBCL cells. Unlike the cells of HCL, the circulating MBCL cells exhibited strong acid phosphatase activity that was tartrate sensitive. The leukemic cells had the antigenic phenotype IgM lambda, CD20+, CD11c+, CD5-, CD25(TAC)-, and PCA-1-. Immunogenetic studies of both lymph node and peripheral blood cells revealed identical immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene rearrangements. When compared with a series of HCL, the immunophenotype was similar except for the absence of PCA-1 and TAC. Progression of the MBCL to a large cell lymphoma, also expressing IgM lambda, was documented in an abdominal lymph node of this patient. Therefore, although rare, peripheral blood involvement by lymphoma cells may occur during the course of MBCL and should be distinguished from HCL with cytochemical and immunophenotypic studies. In addition, comparison of the clinical, pathologic, and immunologic features of MBCL with those of other low-grade B-cell neoplasms suggests that a close lineage relationship exists between MBCL and HCL.

Cytogenetic studies of Hodgkin's disease. Analysis of involved lymph nodes from 12 patients

Cytogenetic studies were performed on 12 involved lymph nodes from Hodgkin's disease patients utilizing conditioned medium from 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-staphylococcus enterotoxin A induced mononuclear cells. The majority of cells analyzed had a normal karyotype. An unusually high rate of nonclonal karyotypic abnormalities was noted in most cultures. Clonal abnormalities involving chromosomes 3 and 21 were noted in two patients. Cytogenetic analysis of cultures stimulated with conditioned medium or specific growth factors may lead to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved in Hodgkin's disease.

Antigenic phenotype of Langerhans cell histiocytosis: an immunohistochemical study demonstrating the value of LN-2, LN-3, and vimentin

In order to determine the antigenic phenotype of the proliferating cells in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), we studied 15 such examples by using formalin- and B5-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. We used a panel of antibodies that are known to react with lymphocyte- and histiocyte-associated antigens. These included LN-1, LN-2, and LN-3 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), MoAbs to leukocyte common antigen (LCA), Leu-M1 antigen, vimentin, and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), as well as polyclonal antibodies to lysozyme and S100 protein. The antigens encountered most frequently in LCH cells were S100 protein (93% of cases), vimentin (86%), and those detected by LN-2 (80%) and LN-3 (82%). Lysozyme was detected focally in two cases and diffusely in one case. The LCH cells were negative for LN-1, LCA, Leu-M1, and EMA. There was only one specimen in which S100 protein was not demonstrated; in this case, LN-3, vimentin, and T6 on frozen section were positive. The phenotype of LCH cells is similar to that of Langerhans' cells and interdigitating histiocytes. Our results demonstrate the value of using a panel of antibodies, including anti-vimentin MoAb, LN-2, and LN-3 for the immunophenotypic diagnosis of LCH in addition to an antibody to S100 protein.

Differential expression of adenosine deaminase isozymes in acute leukemia

Total adenosine deaminase (ADA) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) activities were measured in cell samples from 13 cases of de novo acute leukemia and from three cases of chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis (CMLBC). These cases could be separated into lymphoid and nonlymphoid types on the basis of enzyme activity, with two misclassifications. However, PNP activity added little or no discriminatory information. Analysis for expression of the various molecular weight (mol wt) ADA isozymes, ADA1 (40 Kd) and ADA2 (110 Kd), revealed that ADA2 was expressed exclusively in nonlymphoid cells whereas ADA1 was found in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid cell types. Identification of ADA2 divided these leukemia cases into lymphoid and nonlymphoid types with no misclassifications (P = .0002; Fisher's exact test). Acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) with a monocytic component tended to have a greater percentage of ADA2 than ANLL without a monocytic component. These studies suggest that ADA2 may be a novel biochemical marker for an immature nonlymphoid cell.

T-cell-rich lymphoproliferative disorders. Morphologic and immunologic differential diagnoses

To differentiate peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), the authors evaluated the results of T11 monoclonal antibody studies on consecutive cell suspensions prepared from 509 lymph nodes from various lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD). They used T11 (CD2) positivity to identify those LPD in which the content of T cells was high. There were 266 (52%) cell suspensions which contained more than 50% T11-positive cells. More than 75% of the following non-Hodgkin's lymphomas had over 50% T11-positive cells: diffuse mixed cell (DM), diffuse atypical poorly differentiated lymphocytic and lymphoblastic lymphomas; mycosis fungoides; and true histiocytic lymphoma. Eleven cell suspensions had more than 90% T11-positive cells; four were involved by B-cell lymphomas. The cell suspensions prepared from nine of 14 diffuse large cell lymphomas of the T-cell type had more than 50% T11-positive cells. Of these, three of five cases of the polymorphous subtype had fewer than 50% T11 cells, but six of seven lymph nodes of the clear-cell type had more than 50% T11-positive cells. Each of seven DM samples of the T-cell type contained over 50% T11 cells; none had a polymorphous appearance. In the 112 cases of reactive LPD studied, more than 75% of cases of necrotizing lymphadenitis, dermatopathic lymphadenitis, angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy, and those with lymph nodes with no specific reactive pattern had more than 50% T11-positive cells. The authors' findings indicate that T11 positivity is a reliable T-cell marker in reactive and neoplastic LPD except for those cases of PTCL with a polymorphous appearance; these tend to lose T11-expression. A multi-parameter diagnostic approach is required in the following LPD: (1) PTCL which are T11-negative; (2) PTCL of small lymphocytic type having an unremarkable T-cell phenotype; (3) SIg-negative B-cell lymphomas which are rich in nonneoplastic T cells; (4) non-Hodgkin's lymphomas with minimal disease which are rich in reactive T cells; and (5) polymorphous large cell proliferations.

Immunoarchitecture of the "pseudofollicles" of well-differentiated (small) lymphocytic lymphoma: a comparison with true follicles

Some human malignant lymphomas of the B-cell type have morphologic and immunologic similarities to follicles seen in nonneoplastic reactive lymph nodes. In contrast, a peculiar, vaguely nodular pattern of growth called "pseudonodules" or "pseudofollicular proliferation centers," which is morphologically distinguishable from "true" follicles, is seen in malignant lymphoma, well-differentiated (small) lymphocytic type (WDL). To characterize the cellular components of "pseudofollicles," we undertook a detailed, comparative immunohistologic study of the architectural relationship and distribution of T cells, B cells, and follicular dendritic reticulum cells (DRCs) in reactive follicles, neoplastic follicles, and pseudofollicles. We report several observations on the presence of DRCs and T-cell subset topography in pseudofollicles. Immunohistologic staining for the C3d complement receptor on DRCs revealed that DRC networks associated with "true" follicles were present in all cases of reactive follicular hyperplasia (RFH) and malignant lymphoma, nodular, poorly differentiated lymphocytic type (PDL) studied. Surprisingly, DRC networks were also identified in 8 of 23 cases of WDL. Although the size distribution of DRC network diameters was nearly identical in RFH and PDL, the sizes were markedly diminished in WDL. Immunohistologic staining for Leu 3+ and Leu 2+ T-cell subsets confirmed cellular arrangements in RFH and PDL reported by others. In only 2 of 23 cases of WDL could T cells localized to "pseudofollicles" in frozen tissue sections be identified in a nonrandom arrangement.

Monoclonal small (well-differentiated) lymphocytic proliferations of the gastrointestinal tract resembling lymphoid hyperplasia: a neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential

Three histologically benign-appearing or diagnostically equivocal small lymphocytic proliferations of the gastrointestinal tract were examined by fresh-frozen section immunohistologic techniques. In one case, a dense infiltrate in the small intestine, consisting of small lymphocytes with round nuclei, was limited almost entirely to the mucosa. In another case, a localized colonic polyp was formed by mucosal and submucosal lobules of benign-appearing lymphoid aggregates with centrally located germinal centers. The third case, a penetrating gastric ulcer, was surrounded by histologically hyperplastic lymphoid tissue which included germinal centers. The small lymphocytes in all three cases were strongly positive for B-cell-associated antigens (B1, B2, BA-1), and all exhibited monoclonal light-chain restriction. Even though treatment consisted only of surgical resection of the lesions, no patient has had progressive disease during follow-up periods ranging from 24 to more than 50 months. We believe that the infiltrates in these cases are analogous to the morphologically benign monoclonal small lymphocytic proliferations common to the lung and orbit and that they have an uncertain, but probably low, malignant potential.

Rearrangement of kappa-chain and T-cell receptor beta-chain genes in malignant lymphomas of "T-cell" phenotype

Detection of immunoglobulin gene rearrangements by molecular hybridization is considered to be a highly sensitive approach to the evaluation of clonality of B-cell-derived neoplasms. Like monoclonal surface immunoglobulin in B cells, which serves as a reliable immunophenotypic marker for clonality, rearrangement of the genes encoding immunoglobulin light chains has been accepted as a reliable genotypic marker for the presence of a clonal expansion of B lymphocytes. The authors now report 3 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that were immunologically classified as having a T-cell phenotype and in which, in addition to rearrangements of the T-cell receptor beta-chain gene, a rearrangement of an immunoglobulin light-chain gene was clearly identified by Southern blot hybridization. The results demonstrate that the data obtained by molecular hybridization should be interpreted with caution when the immunogenetic findings do not correlate with immunophenotypic expression, and that the results of molecular genetics studies should be interpreted in conjunction with morphologic and immunologic findings.

Distinction between undifferentiated (small noncleaved) and lymphoblastic lymphoma. An immunohistologic study on paraffin-embedded, fixed tissue sections

The morphologic differentiation between malignant lymphoma of the small noncleaved cell (SNC) type and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is at times difficult, particularly when fresh tissue is not available for immunologic studies. We have examined the reactivities of a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, including LN-1, LN-2, and antibodies to immunoglobulin light chains, leukocyte common antigen (LCA), Leu-M1, vimentin, S-100 protein, lysozyme, and alpha-1-antitrypsin, in paraffin-embedded, B5- and formalin-fixed tissue involved by SNC or LBL. The immunophenotypes in all of the cases included in this study had been characterized previously in fresh-frozen sections or cell suspensions. Among 21 samples of B5-fixed SNC, LN-1 was reactive in 17 and LN-2 in 18 cases. Among 13 B5-fixed LBL, LN-1 was reactive in two cases and LN-2 was reactive in two cases. Each of 20 B5-fixed samples of SNC was reactive with at least one of the antibodies, whereas 10 of the 13 B5-fixed samples of LBL were negative for both antibodies. Lesser reactivity was evident in formalin-fixed tissues, with only nine of 27 SNC specimens positive for LN-1 and 16 of 27 positive for LN-2. Most or all of the SNC and LBL samples were negative for immunoglobulin light chains, Leu-M1, vimentin, S-100 protein, lysozyme, and alpha-1-antitrypsin. The majority of both SNC and LBL were positive for LCA. We conclude that LN-1, preferably in combination with LN-2, can be used for distinguishing between SNC and LBL in paraffin-embedded, B5-fixed tissue when fresh tissue is not available.

Antigenically defined subgroups of lymphoblastic lymphoma. Relationship to clinical presentation and biologic behavior

A large panel of monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antisera were used to ascertain the immunophenotypic characteristics of 36 lymphoblastic lymphomas (LBL). Results showed that this group of lymphomas have significant immunologic heterogeneity. Of the 36 cases, 33 were positive for T-cell antigens; among these, 22 cases were classified as T-cell LBL (TLBL, Group 1) based on their expression of T-cell-restricted and T-cell-associated antigens, and five expressed the common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen in addition to T-cell-associated antigens (Group 2). Six cases showed strong reactivity with anti-Leu-11 antibody, which defines a specific subtype of lymphocytes considered to have a natural killer (NK) function (Group 3). Two additional cases had a "pre-B" cell phenotype (Group 4), as determined by reactivity with BA-1 and BA-2 monoclonal antibodies, which react with immature and pre-B-lymphocytes. The neoplastic cells in the remaining case showed monoclonal surface membrane immunoglobulin of the IgMD heavy chain and kappa light chain type (Group 5). Despite immunophenotypic heterogeneity, the morphologic features were essentially similar in all cases. When the clinical features for each immunologic group were compared, however, two statistically significant findings resulted: (1) the frequency of mediastinal masses was highest in TLBL (Group 1, P less than 0.01), and (2) the male-female ratio was significantly lower in patients with LBL expressing NK-associated antigens (Group 3) than in the other groups of patients (P less than 0.01). Our data indicate that LBL can be divided into several immunologic subtypes; larger, prospective clinicopathologic studies are required to determine the clinical significance of the immunophenotypic classifications of LBL.

Concurrent presence of two clonal populations in small lymphocytic lymphoma of the lung

In a patient with small lymphocytic proliferation (SLP) involving the right middle and right lower lobes of the lung, immunophenotypic studies showed that the neoplastic lymphoid cells in the right middle lobe expressed kappa light chains, whereas those in the right lower lobe expressed lambda light chains on their surface. Gene rearrangement studies with Southern-blot hybridization confirmed the disparate surface immunoglobulin expression, and showed that the SLPs in the two lobes were derived from separate clones. The findings indicate that even morphologically identical lymphomas in the same organ may be immunophenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous. Our findings demonstrate that immunologic and DNA gene rearrangement analyses may complement each other in the study of lymphomas. This case is unique in that it is the first reported case of the concurrent presence of two immunologically distinct clonal populations in an extranodal site.

Distribution of lymphocytes with interleukin-2 receptors (TAC antigens) in reactive lymphoproliferative processes, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. An immunohistologic study of 300 cases

The authors investigated the distribution of interleukin-2 receptors (TAC antigen) in the lymph nodes of 300 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders. They used fresh-frozen sections to evaluate a possible correlation between the immunophenotype of specific lymphoid disorders and the presence or absence of TAC expression and to determine whether the TAC positivity of lymphoid cells contributes to the characterization of lymphoproliferative processes. All of the cases had previously been studied with a large screening panel of monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antisera. Among 85 patients with a variety of benign reactive processes, the lymph nodes from 47 contained TAC-bearing lymphocytes in various patterns of distribution. Of 41 patients with Hodgkin's disease, 37 had TAC-bearing lymphocytes. Of 26 B-cell, well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphomas (WDL), 14 were diffusely TAC-positive and one had TAC-bearing cells in random distribution. Six cases of intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma were also studied, and three showed randomly distributed TAC-bearing lymphocytes. Of 19 patients with follicular or follicular and diffuse, poorly differentiated lymphocytic (PDL) lymphoma, 14 were TAC-positive. All 3 diffuse PDL lymphomas studied were TAC-negative. Among 23 cases of B-cell and 5 cases of T-cell mixed cell lymphoma, 15 and three, respectively, had TAC-positive lymphocytes. Of 39 large cell lymphomas (B-cell, 33; T-cell, 6), 14 were TAC-positive. All 13 cases of hairy cell leukemia were diffusely positive. Of 23 T-lymphoblastic lymphomas, only 1 showed positive TAC reactivity, which was focal. Of 5 cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, 2 had TAC-bearing lymphocytes. Our study indicates that the TAC antigen is not lineage-specific, and that it may be expressed by lymphoid cells regardless of their phenotype.

Recognition of hairy cell leukemia in a spleen of normal weight. The contribution of immunohistologic studies

A 68-year-old man with known hairy cell leukemia (HCL) underwent splenectomy; the spleen weighed only 140 g. Microscopic examination of the spleen revealed no clear diagnostic evidence of HCL, but there was an unusual and suspicious subendothelial lymphoid infiltration of the trabecular veins. Cell suspension studies also were not diagnostic because a monoclonal B-cell population could not be defined. Alternatively, when we focused on the subendothelial infiltrate in the frozen sections prepared for immunohistochemical studies, the findings indicated that the subendothelial cells were monoclonal B-cells (IgG, kappa). Staining with monoclonal antibodies disclosed the phenotype Tac+, Leu-14+, Leu-M5+, B2-, BA-1-, and BA-2-, a phenotype characteristic of HCL. In this case, an unusual but nondiagnostic morphologic finding provided guidance for the correlative immunophenotypic analysis of the same site in frozen sections and thereby allowed a definitive diagnosis.

Lymphoblastic lymphoma expressing natural killer cell-associated antigens: a clinicopathologic study of six cases

We describe six patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) whose neoplastic lymphoid cells expressed surface antigens associated with natural killer (NK) cells. The six cases were selected from a series of 38 specimens diagnosed as LBL based on morphologic criteria and further subclassified by the use of an extensive panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Although the morphologic features in all six cases were similar to those previously reported for LBL, their expression of NK-associated antigens was unique. All cases were positive with anti-Leu 11b, an antibody which appears to define a specific subtype of lymphocytes considered to have NK function; and all cases expressed T11, a T-cell-restricted antigen. The most commonly encountered immunophenotype of our cases of LBL was: Leu 11b+, T11+, Leu7+, TdT+, Leu 3a+, Ia+, pre-B-, and B-. As compared with more classical LBL of T-cell type, LBL of NK-cell type in our series occurred primarily in females and non-whites. Whereas treatment of classical LBL by multi-agent chemotherapy may lead to long-term survival, only two of our six patients were long-term survivors. The data derived from this study raise the possibility that LBL with the antigenic phenotype of NK cells may represent a biologic subtype of LBL.

Angiotropic large cell lymphoma of the prostate gland: an immunohistochemical study

Malignant angioendotheliomatosis (MAE) is a rare disorder characterized by the intravascular proliferation of neoplastic mononuclear cells. Until recently, the cell of origin was uncertain; some investigators reported MAE to be lymphomatous in nature, while others claimed it to be of endothelial derivation. In the present unusual case, MAE was an incidental findings in the prostate of a patient with prostatic adenocarcinoma; it is shown to be a lymphoma of B-cell origin.

Monocytoid B-cell lymphoma. A novel B-cell neoplasm

Monocytoid B lymphocytes (MBLs), originally described as part of the histologic picture of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis, have been recognized as a reactive component in a variety of lymph node disorders. The authors now report 3 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in which a multidisciplinary approach allowed them to confirm the existence of a malignant lymphoma composed of the neoplastic counterpart of the MBLs found in nonneoplastic disorders. In all 3 cases, the lymphoma was composed of a relatively monomorphous infiltrate of atypical MBLs that had rather uniform-appearing nuclei and had well-defined, moderately abundant pale cytoplasm. The pattern of lymph node involvement in all 3 cases was predominantly sinusoidal and interfollicular. The neoplastic lymphoid cells were strongly positive for B-cell-restricted antigens; the light- and heavy-chain phenotypes were kappa-IgM (2 cases) and kappa-IgG (1 case). In all 3 cases, rearrangement of heavy- and/or light-chain genes was clearly identified by Southern blot hybridization. The name "monocytoid B-cell lymphoma" is proposed for this newly described malignant B-cell neoplasm.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma. A case report demonstrating morphologic heterogeneity and progression, and atypical immune reactions

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) comprise a morphologically heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The authors report on PTCL occurring in a 13-year-old girl, in whom they were able to evaluate histologic material from 11 biopsy specimens obtained during her 8-month clinical course. These biopsy specimens demonstrated morphologic progression from atypical immune reactions and diffuse mixed cell lymphoma observed at different anatomic sites during early stages of the disease to pleomorphic large cell lymphoma with erythrophagocytic tumor cells at the time of her death. Morphologic variability of PTCL that may occur during the course of a patient's illness was demonstrated, and discordant histologic findings in biopsy specimens obtained simultaneously from different anatomic sites was noted. The morphologic evolution of PTCL was expressed, in sequential biopsy specimens, by a progressive cellular pleomorphism with the appearance of large, often bizarre lymphoid cells. This was associated with the gradual diminution and disappearance of the B-cell areas and epithelioid histiocytic reactions which were present initially in the biopsy specimens. The findings suggest that some of the various morphologic descriptions of PTCL given in the literature may represent transient histologic expressions of the lymphoma at various stages in its natural history.

Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy. An immunophenotypic comparison of cases associated and unassociated with mycosis fungoides

Documenting focal mycosis fungoides in lymph node biopsies that exhibit dermatopathic lymphadenopathy is morphologically difficult. Since mycosis fungoides is a lymphoma with the phenotype of mature T cells, usually of the T-helper class, the authors investigated whether there are alterations in the ratio of Leu 3a (T-helper):Leu 2a (T-suppressor) cells in dermatopathic lymphadenopathy in order to determine the significance of immunologic markers as a possible solution to the problem. Ten lymph node biopsy specimens with diagnostic evidence of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy, but not of mycosis fungoides, were studied with the use of fresh-frozen section immunohistochemistry (FS), cell suspensions (CS), or both; five of the specimens came from patients with known cutaneous mycosis fungoides, and the other five came from patients without mycosis fungoides. The mean Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratio was 7.0 +/- 1.06 (SE) in all 10 cases of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy studied by FS and 6.9 +/- 1.14 in the 6 cases studied by CS. These ratios were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) than the mean Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratios of 2.9 +/- 0.29 (FS) and 2.4 +/- 0.22 (CS) in control lymph nodes exhibiting nonspecific reactive follicular hyperplasia, but were comparable to the mean Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratio of 5.9 obtained in two lymph node biopsies with unequivocal involvement by mycosis fungoides. Despite the increase in Leu 3a staining cells in dermatopathic lymphadenopathy, however, there were no essential differences in the Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratios between patients with and those without known mycosis fungoides. The use of other antibodies reactive with T cells, such as anti-Leu 8, anti-Leu 9, and anti-Tac also did not aid in this discrimination. The results indicate that determination of the Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratio and use of other conventional T-cell monoclonal antibodies do not provide conclusive evidence in support of a presumptive or early diagnosis of mycosis fungoides in a lymph node which fails to show histologic evidence of the disease.

Further evidence that "malignant angioendotheliomatosis" is an angiotropic large-cell lymphoma

Malignant angioendotheliomatosis is a rare, generally fatal disease characterized by a multifocal proliferation of neoplastic mononuclear cells within the lumens of small blood vessels. Although the disease primarily involves the vasculature of the skin and central nervous system, vascular involvement of other organs may occur and may produce a variety of clinical findings. Some early investigators concluded that malignant angioendotheliomatosis was a neoplasm of endothelial cells, but recently others have suggested that it is of hematopoietic origin. We have studied three patients with the disease and have characterized the immunophenotype of the neoplasm on cryostat-cut fresh-frozen tissues. A detailed antigenic phenotyping of neoplastic lymphoid cells showed that one patient had the immunophenotype T11+, Leu-1+, Leu-3+, Leu-2+, B1-, B2-, SIg-, LN1-, LN2-, the predominant phenotype for peripheral T-cell lymphoma; the others had T11-, Leu-1-, Leu-3-, Leu-2-, B1+, B2+, SIg+, LN1+, LN2+, consistent with a B-cell-derived lymphoma. On the basis of our results, we suggest that angiotropic (intravascular) large-cell lymphoma would be more appropriate than malignant angioendotheliomatosis as a name for this disease.

Studies of the bone marrow in polycythemia vera and the evolution of myelofibrosis and second hematologic malignancies

The PVSG study is unique in that it is prospective and composed of 432 patients randomized to three treatment arms. This study also provides the opportunity for serial studies of numerous sequential biopsies. Large numbers of cases with sequential biopsies covering the entire long course are essential to appreciate the full spectrum of tissue changes in this disease. The PVSG was initiated in 1967 and in mid-1985 approximately one third of the patients are alive and on protocol. For these reasons, the results must still be considered preliminary. Pretreatment biopsies from patients randomized in the PVSG have been analyzed for total cellularity, megakaryocyte concentration, and reticulin content. Considerable variation in these elements was found in these biopsies. Sequential posttreatment biopsies from these patients have also been studied and correlated with the clinical course of the disease. None of the morphologic parameters analyzed was shown to be of prognostic significance. Early in the course of PV the marrow reticulin content is almost always normal. The length of the developmental stage is unknown and the precise timing of the clinical onset may be difficult. Therefore, the 11% of patients that showed a significant increase in reticulin on initial evaluation may have had PV longer than was indicated clinically. If large numbers of sequential biopsies are studied, an increase in reticulin content can frequently be demonstrated during the active phase of the disease and before the onset of the spent phase. Currently 39 patients (9%) have developed the spent phase, or PPMM. PPMM occurred in about the same incidence in the patients treated with myelosuppressive therapy as by phlebotomy alone, the spent phase occurring in 16 patients treated by phlebotomy alone, 11 with chlorambucil, and 12 with 32P. The course of the reticulin fibrosis is slowly progressive. There is some evidence for regression in a few patients in the erythrocytotic phase, but sampling variation cannot be completely ruled out. At this time in the study, AL has developed in 37 patients (8.6%). The incidence of AL is quite low in the phlebotomy group (three cases). Presumably this represents the natural incidence in PV unmodified by therapeutic agents. The frequency is approximately equal and quite high in the chlorambucil and 32P groups. There are 19 cases in the chlorambucil-treated group and 15 in the 32P-treated group. The leukemias that developed in the PV patients occurred either de novo or following PPMM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Leu-M1 antigen in human neoplasms. An immunohistologic study of 400 cases

Several studies have shown that the Leu-M1 antigen, a monocyte/granulocyte-related marker, is consistently expressed by the neoplastic cells of patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD). It has been suggested that reactivity of Reed-Sternberg cells with Leu-M1 can be used in support of a morphologic interpretation of HD, and that it is helpful in the differential diagnosis of HD from morphologically similar lesions. To evaluate the significance of the Leu-M1 positivity of Reed-Sternberg cells in the diagnosis of HD, we investigated the distribution of Leu-M1 antigen in a series of patients with HD, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and nonhematopoietic neoplasms. We were able to demonstrate the presence of Leu-M1 antigen not only in the majority of patients with HD, but also in 12 of 18 (67%) peripheral T-cell lymphomas, as well as in a variety of nonhematopoietic neoplasms, which included 113 of 199 carcinomas, most of them (58%) adenocarcinomas. Only one of 34 sarcomas showed a focal positive reaction. Leu-M1-related antigen was not detected in any of 18 mesotheliomas, 15 germ cell tumors, 13 melanomas, three schwannomas, or three astrocytomas. Our study indicates that Leu-M1 positivity has no value in supporting the diagnosis of HD in situations where the histologic diagnosis of HD is doubtful. However, since anti-Leu-M1 reacted positively in the majority of adenocarcinomas but was absent in mesotheliomas, melanomas, and most sarcomas, this antigen could serve as a new marker that may be helpful in situations in which carcinoma is a part of the differential diagnosis.

Acceleration of age-associated immune decline and mortality by early repeated administration of bestatin to C57BL/6 mice

The effect of chronic treatment with an immunostimulating agent, bestatin, on age-associated immune decline was assessed in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were given weekly doses of bestatin (100 micrograms/mouse, i.p.) from 7 months of age until death, and immune responses (natural killer cell activity, T cell cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, lymphoproliferative responses to mitogens, production of interleukin-2, macrophage functions) were tested at 11, 15, and 20 months. Most of the functions were reduced in 15-17-month-old mice, but evidence of reduced macrophage activities appeared only in limiting conditions (low lipopolysaccharide stimulation for interleukin-1 production and low concentration of macrophages in the cytostatic test). Bestatin administration produced a transient increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity and in vivo T cell cytotoxicity, followed (15-20 months of age) by a depression of NK and T cell-mediated responses. Only macrophage functions were stimulated in 20-month-old bestatin-treated mice. This unresponsiveness coincides with an accelerated mortality of bestatin-treated mice and a significant increase in the number of spontaneous tumor-bearing animals. The stimulation of T cells by bestatin seems to be mediated by a primary activation of macrophages to release immune mediators. Several reasons for the bestatin-induced immunodepression can be postulated including a high dose of bestatin, leading to toxicity or unresponsiveness; induction of suppressor cells; and overproliferation of T cells due to the mitogenic activity of bestatin, which may act as a promoting factor for tumor development.

Leukopenic chronic T cell leukemia mimicking hairy cell leukemia: association with human retroviruses

We report two cases of a T cell lymphoproliferative disease not previously described, with cytologic and clinical features similar to those associated with Galton's "prolymphocytic" leukemia (PL). Our patients, like those with Galton's PL, had massive splenomegaly and minimal or absent hepatomegaly and lymphadenopathy. In contrast, however, our patients had leukopenia, as well as low percentages of leukemic cells in the peripheral blood and in the bone marrow. In splenic imprints, the nuclear chromatin pattern of most of the leukemic cells was intermediate between those of mature lymphocytes and those of lymphoblasts, and the nuclei contained single, centrally located, conspicuous nucleoli. In sections of the spleen, the leukemic cells diffusely infiltrated the red pulp in a pattern strikingly similar to that of hairy cell leukemia; however, when the leukemic cells were studied cytochemically, the cytoplasmic acid phosphatase positivity was punctate and tartrate-sensitive. The leukemic cells were sheep erythrocyte rosette-positive and expressed T cell-associated antigens. Initially, both patients responded well to therapeutic splenectomy. One patient received combination chemotherapy after splenectomy and is alive and well 24 months after diagnosis. The other patient was in complete clinical remission for one year after splenectomy and received chemotherapy at relapse. He died, however, 23 months after splenectomy, with disseminated disease. IgG antibody titers against human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) were detected in one patient and against HTLV-II in the other. The leukemia in these patients represents a distinct clinicopathologic entity within the spectrum of peripheral T cell lymphoproliferative diseases that includes Galton's PL of T cell derivation, T cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, T cell hairy cell leukemia, and adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma.

Detection of lymphocyte antigens in tissues placed in transport medium. Comparison with cryostat fresh-frozen section technic. An immunologic study of 56 cases

It has been suggested recently that use of a transport medium (Michel's medium) satisfactorily preserves the antigenicity of surface markers on lymphocytes for immunologic evaluation. Transport medium has been reported to be especially useful when immediate preparation of a specimen for immunologic study is not possible. Because adverse conditions such as changes in temperature during the transport of fresh-frozen tissue may markedly alter immunologic markers, it is desirable to transport fresh tissue in a medium that does not adversely affect the immunoreactivity of the tissue antigens. Therefore, we undertook a comparative study in which we compared cryostat-cut, fresh-frozen sections and tissues fixed in transport medium. The specimens were obtained from 56 consecutive patients who had various malignant lymphomas and benign lymphoid disorders. The results of our study indicate that the morphologic and immunologic findings obtained from the frozen sections that had been maintained in the transport medium (Michel's) may be confusing and may be interpreted inaccurately. This study also confirms our previous observation that the inconclusive or spurious results occasionally obtained with cell suspension technics can be avoided if the immunohistochemical technics are applied to cryostat-cut, fresh-frozen sections. We conclude that immunohistochemical study of cryostat-cut fresh-frozen sections remains the technic of choice for the identification and evaluation of both the morphologic and immunologic characteristics of tissues involved by lymphoproliferative diseases.

Do therapists bias their ratings of patient functioning under peer review?

The present study was an attempt to examine the rating bias of therapists participating in an evaluation of an experimental quality assurance system at a community mental health center. The test program was intended to identify patients who demonstrated lack of progress or poor level of functioning after two months of treatment, and to employ a clinical assessment process by independent clinicians to evaluate problems in the quality of care. It was believed that the therapists knowledge that they might have their clinical work assessed would lead to biased ratings of more severe symptomatology in their patients. The results of this study partially supported the hypothesis. Patients in the peer review system were rated as more dysfunctional at admission on Psychological Functioning than patients in the control groups. No differences, however, were found on Basic Life Functioning, Anti-Social Behavior, or Mental Processes. The implications for these results relative to psychotherapy research, quality assurance, and program evaluation are discussed.

Tissue Na, K, and Ca changes in regional cerebral ischemia: their measurement and interpretation

A simple and reliable method of quantifying tissue damage is described. This method, based on atomic absorption spectroscopic determinations of Na, K, and Ca concentrations in small brain samples, was applied to the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAo). At the infarct site by 24 hours, Na concentration more than doubled, Ca concentration increased by greater than 70%, and K concentration fell nearly 80%; these changes are consistent with a greater than 80% disruption of cells. A remarkable acceleration of ionic shifts occurred between 4 and 6 hours after MCAo. At 4 hours, only 20-30% of the ionic shifts found at 24 hours had occurred; by 6 hours, 80-100% of the ionic shifts found at 24 hours had taken place. Since the measurements reflect ionic movement into and out of the tissue, they are likely to represent irreversible tissue damage. Although blood brain barrier breakdown may have contributed to an increased rate of ionic shifts, large ionic gradients must have been present between the extracellular space and the vascular compartment at 4-6 hours to drive the ionic shifts. Our results suggest an upper time limit of 4 hours for treatments of acute ischemic tissue damage in the rat MCAo model. The methods and analytical approach described may be useful for determining the time window for therapeutic intervention in acute CNS injuries, as well as for evaluating treatment effects.

Peripheral T cell lymphoma: immunologic and cell-kinetic observations associated with morphological progression

Peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCLs) form a morphologically heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that are generally considered to have immunophenotypes associated with mature T cells, usually those of helper T cells. We now describe and correlate the clinical, morphological, immunologic, and cell-kinetic findings based on the evaluation of eight tissue samples obtained at various times from a 13-year-old girl with PTCL. The early morphological expressions of this patient's PTCL were those of diffuse mixed-cell lymphoma and focal large-cell lymphoma (LCL) evolving from the histologic picture of an atypical immune response (AIR). These morphological findings were associated with an immature T cell immunophenotype associated with cortical thymocytes--namely, sheep erythrocyte rosette (sER)+, T11+, Leu-2a+, Leu-3a+, HLA-DR+, OKT6-, OKT9+, OKT10+--and with cell-kinetic findings that showed no evidence of aneuploidy and few cells in S phase. Diffuse pleomorphic LCL developed, which was associated with further dedifferentiation of the neoplastic T cells to the immunophenotype sER-, T11+, Leu-2a-, Leu-3a-, HLA-DR+, OKT6-, OKT9+, OKT10- and with cell-kinetic findings that demonstrated a distinct aneuploid population and a dramatic increase in the percentage of cells in the S phase. The immunophenotype of the PTCL at the time of the patient's death was T11-, Leu-2a-, Leu-3a-, HLA-DR+, OKT6-, OKT9+, OKT10-, an immunophenotype indistinguishable from that of a non-B non-T cell lymphoma. The immunologic findings in this case also suggest that an AIR in some cases may represent a prelymphomatous state or may be a morphological expression of PTCL. These observations indicate that PTCLs may be characterized by rapidly changing clinical, morphological, immunologic, and cell kinetic findings which are best evaluated by multidisciplinary studies.

Monocytoid B lymphocytes: their relation to the patterns of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related lymphadenopathy

It was shown recently that monocytoid cells express B-cell-restricted antigens and polyclonal surface immunoglobulins, and the term monocytoid B lymphocytes (MBL) has thus been offered as a more appropriate designation. Although most commonly seen in toxoplasmic lymphadenitis, MBL have been observed in a variety of reactive and neoplastic conditions involving lymph nodes. In the present study MBL were found in 17 of 22 lymph nodes from 20 patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related lymphadenopathy. In all 17 samples, the MBL were found in lymph nodes with florid reactive follicular hyperplasia, and they were geographically close to the hyperplastic lymphoid follicles. However, MBL were not detected in lymph nodes showing involuted follicles or lymphocyte depletion. The disappearance of MBL apparently parallels the progressive involution of secondary follicles. Leu-3+/Leu-2+ (T-helper/T-suppressor) ratios were studied in 14 lymph node cell suspension samples and ten peripheral blood samples. The lymph node Leu-3+/Leu-2+ ratios were significantly lower in AIDS-related lymphadenopathy than in non-AIDS-related reactive follicular hyperplasia (P less than 0.001); the peripheral blood ratios were decreased in nine of the ten cases. The diminished T-helper status in patients with AIDS and AIDS-related lymphadenopathy may be relevant to the immunopathogenesis of follicular involution and, indirectly, to the disappearance of MBL.