Abundant hepatic Gaucher-like cells following chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation for hematologic malignancy: report of two cases

Int J Surg Pathol. 2013 Feb;21(1):89-92. doi: 10.1177/1066896912456081. Epub 2012 Aug 16.

Abstract

Cells with a resemblance to Gaucher cells, sometimes called pseudo-Gaucher cells, are seen in the bone marrow of some patients with hematologic malignancy or anemia. These cells are derived from cells of the monocytic lineage but do not show the characteristic inclusions of true Gaucher cells when examined by electron microscopy. Large numbers of Gaucher-like cells were found in the livers at autopsy of 2 patients with hematologic malignancy treated with chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. Knowledge of this phenomenon may be useful in the interpretation of liver biopsy done on a patient with bone marrow transplant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Autopsy
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Gaucher Disease / diagnosis
  • Histiocytes / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies / ultrastructure
  • Kupffer Cells / pathology
  • Leukemia, Prolymphocytic / pathology*
  • Leukemia, Prolymphocytic / therapy
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy