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The ultrastructural features of plasmablastic lymphoma
J Goedhals1, C A Beukes, S Cooper
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State and National Health Laboratory Services, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Ultrastructural Pathology
|December 22, 2006
Summary
Plasmablastic lymphoma, an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, predominantly affects individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Ultrastructural features, like rough endoplasmic reticulum, aid in diagnosing this rare lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- It is primarily diagnosed in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- PBL typically presents in extranodal sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical, histological, and ultrastructural features of PBL.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of electron microscopy in PBL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 10 PBL patients (2001-2005).
- Analysis of patient demographics, HIV status, clinical presentation, histology, immunohistochemistry (CD138), and electron microscopy findings.
- Follow-up data on patient survival.
Main Results:
- Patients aged 24-39 years; 7 females, 3 males.
- 7/7 tested HIV-positive; 8/10 extranodal disease.
- 4/5 followed patients died within 5 months, confirming aggressive nature.
- Tumor cells showed plasmacytic appearance and "starry sky" background in some cases.
- 9/10 cases were CD138 positive.
- Electron microscopy revealed characteristic rough endoplasmic reticulum in 9/10 cases.
Conclusions:
- Plasmablastic lymphoma is an aggressive extranodal lymphoma associated with HIV.
- Immunohistochemistry (CD138) and ultrastructural features are crucial for diagnosis.
- Electron microscopy aids in differentiating PBL from other undifferentiated tumors.
