[Head and neck manifestations of lymphogranulomatosis X (author's transl)]

Immunoblastic lymphadenopathy was first described in the german literature in 1975 by Lennert as "Lymphogranulomatosis X." The disease is characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, dysproteinemia, fever and hyperergic reactions such as pruritus, skin rush and eosinophilia. The first ORL occurrence of the disease in Waldeyer's ring and cervical lymph nodes is reported. The histologic picture is characterized by a vascular proliferation with immunoblasts, plasma cells and interstitial amorphous acidophilic material but without Sternberg cells. The origin of the disease from primary malignant neoplasia or hyperergic reactions has not yet been defined. Although prognosis is uncertain and therapy limited, the best management involves small doses of corticoids, supplemented by antibiotics.