CD2+, CD3-, CD56/NCAM+ malignant lymphoma with TCR beta gene rearrangement: a case report

A case of CD56/NCAM+ malignant lymphoma is reported. Only a rare malignant lymphoma cell showed azurophilic granules in the cytoplasm of Giesma-stained preparations, while electron microscopic examination revealed occasional cytoplasmic granules with paracrystalline inclusions. The most common phenotype seen in NK lymphomas, CD2+, CD3-, CD56+, CD16-, CD57-, was present in the case. Cases with this phenotype have been interpreted to represent either true NK lymphoma or T-cell lymphoma with NK expression. Genotyping, where performed, has shown TCR germline configuration. Our case showed TCR beta rearrangement indicating that the above phenotype can be associated with a peripheral T-cell lymphoma.