[Value of lymph node biopsy in lymphadenopathies occurring in patients at risk for AIDS]

On the basis of four cases of patients with persistent lymphadenopathy and at risk for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), (3 Haitians, one haemophiliac), histopathologic features of lymph node biopsy in AIDS are recalled. Two main types of alterations of lymph node architecture--follicular hyperplasia or lymphoid depletion--can be associated with interfollicular lesions: vascular proliferation, numerous plasma cells, epithelioid reaction that may reflect an infectious process. Alterations of T-cell subsets distribution were also analyzed using immunocytochemical labelling of frozen sections from lymph nodes. In all four cases, T4 (helper)--lymphocytes were markedly depleted, whereas they normally represent the majority of lymph node T cells. They were replaced by prominent T8 (cytotoxic, suppressor)-cells, particularly inside the follicle. T8 lymphocytes are usually rare in this latter area. The fine analysis of these abnormalities is useful in prodromal or mild forms of AIDS.