A case of erythrophagocytic T4 lymphoma. Immunological and morphological peculiarities

One case of T-cell lymphoma with atypical malignant cells is reported. Some of the clinical features, morphological characteristics and functional activity (erythrophagocytosis) of malignant cells suggested malignant histiocytosis. The malignant disease started with splenomegaly and developed with hepatomegaly, bone marrow infiltration, discrete lymphadenopathy and leukaemic picture. Proliferated cells were characterized by ambiguity. In addition to phagocytic capability, presence of complement receptors and ultrastructural features proper to the macrophagic lineage, the cells expressed T-cell determinants (E receptors, T3, T4 and T11 antigens) and were peroxidase and esterase-negative. Erythrocytes were partially or completely dehaemoglobinized and presented the phenomenon of autolysis in different stages of development. Because this lymphoma is difficult to diagnose and apparently resistant to therapy, its recognition and further study are warranted.