Immunoblastic lymphadenopathy. A report of two cases

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Immunoblastic lymphadenopathy (IBL) is a rare condition.
• It is characterized by lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, rash, and constitutional symptoms.

Observation:

• Two patients presented with IBL, exhibiting lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, rash, dysproteinemia, and constitutional symptoms.
• Morphologic findings included lymph node obliteration by immunoblasts and plasma cells, proliferation of aborizing vessels, and amorphous eosinophilic material.
• One patient had massive pulmonary infiltrates responding initially to steroids, but recurring as immunoblastic invasion.
• Both patients developed severe peripheral neuropathy.

Findings:

• The patients' condition involved lymph node obliteration by immunoblasts and plasma cells.
• Pulmonary infiltrates were observed, with one case showing recurrence as immunoblastic invasion.
• Severe peripheral neuropathy developed in both patients during the disease course.

Implications:

• Initial response to corticosteroids and cytotoxic therapy was rapid but ultimately led to refractoriness.
• Postmortem findings revealed extensive visceral involvement, highlighting the aggressive nature of IBL.
• The case of dextroamphetamine addiction warrants further investigation into potential contributing factors.