Lymphomatoid granulomatosis--a report on four cases: evidence for B phenotype of the tumoral cells

Eur Respir J. 1998 Jul;12(1):102-6. doi: 10.1183/09031936.98.12010102.

Abstract

Four cases of lymphomatoid granulomatosis are reported, three of them involving the lung. Histological features included a true angiocentric and angiodestructive polymorphic cellular proliferation. This included histiocytes, plasma cells, many reactive T-cells and rare large, atypical cells which were of the B phenotype. Epstein-Barr virus was detected in the atypical cells by in situ hybridization in three cases, with expression of both latent membrane proteins (LMP)-1 and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-2 in two cases and expression of only LMP-1 in the third case. Expression of both of these proteins suggests a defect in the T-cell-mediated immunity and that Epstein-Barr virus is not only a silent passenger but may also be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. This could have implications for therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / diagnosis
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / genetics*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis / diagnosis
  • Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis / genetics*
  • Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis / pathology
  • Lysosomal Membrane Proteins
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / analysis
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
  • Lysosomal Membrane Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins