Three-dimensional reconstruction of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in bone marrow trephines

The objective of this study was to analyse the location in the bone marrow of deposits of low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This was achieved using computer-generated three-dimensional reconstruction techniques applied to serial tissue sections of five bone marrow trephines involved by lymphoma. For comparative purposes, previously published three-dimensional models of benign lymphoid aggregates in the bone marrow were need. The images generated by this new study showed that deposits of low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the bone marrow always assumed a paratrabecular pattern of infiltration at some point. This is in direct contrast to the pattern of bone marrow infiltration shown by benign lymphoid aggregates. It is concluded that location within the marrow space is a crucial factor in distinguishing between benign and low-grade malignant lymphoid infiltrates in the bone marrow.