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Atypical large plasma cells in lymph node granulomas in cat-scratch disease
Y T Tsubota1, H Nakamine, T Takenaka
1Department of Pathology, Wakayama Medical School, Japan.
Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological Anatomy and Histopathology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
This study identifies a rare variant of plasma cells in cat-scratch disease (CSD) lymphadenitis. These atypical cells are reactive, not cancerous, and crucial to distinguish from neoplastic cells in granulomas.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cat-scratch disease (CSD) lymphadenitis typically presents with suppurative granulomatous inflammation.
- Atypical giant cells are sometimes observed in CSD lesions, requiring careful differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a histological variant of plasma cells in CSD lymphadenitis.
- To differentiate reactive atypical giant cells from neoplastic cells.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of lymph node sections.
- Histochemical stains (Warthin-Starry, methyl green-pyronine).
- Immunohistochemical analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified atypical giant cells with abundant basophilic cytoplasm and bizarre nuclei in CSD granulomas.
- Confirmed these cells were plasmacytic and reactive, not neoplastic, using stains and immunohistochemistry.
- Distinguished these from Langhans' type giant cells also occasionally present.
Conclusions:
- Atypical plasmacytic giant cells can be a feature of CSD lymphadenitis.
- Distinguishing these reactive cells from neoplastic cells is critical for accurate diagnosis.