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Lymph node hyalinisation in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis
1Department of Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis can cause lymph node hyalinization. Histological examination revealed PAS-positive extracellular hyaline material in all cases, suggesting these conditions should be considered in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis are systemic autoimmune diseases.
- Lymph node abnormalities can occur in connective tissue diseases.
Observation:
- Histological examination of lymph nodes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis.
- Stains used: haematoxylin and eosin, PAS, Masson-trichrome, and Congo red.
Findings:
- All lymph nodes showed PAS-positive extracellular hyaline material.
- Rheumatoid arthritis cases exhibited reactive follicular hyperplasia, sarcoid-like granulomata, or necrosis.
- Systemic sclerosis case showed extensive hyalinization and calcification.
Implications:
- PAS-positive hyaline material in lymph nodes may indicate rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis.
- Sarcoid-like granulomata in rheumatoid arthritis lymph nodes suggest a potential link with sarcoidosis.
- Clinicians and pathologists should consider these conditions in the differential diagnosis of lymph node hyalinization.