Neutrophil-rich anaplastic large cell lymphoma of T-cell lineage. A report of two cases arising in HIV-positive patients

Am J Clin Pathol. 2000 Sep;114(3):478-82. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/114.3.478.

Abstract

Neutrophil-rich anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an uncommon morphologic variant of ALCL. We report 2 cases of neutrophil-rich T-cell ALCL that presented as scalp masses in HIV-positive men. Histologically, the neoplastic cells extensively infiltrated the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The neoplastic cells strongly expressed CD30 and were of T-cell lineage, positive for CD3 and CD45RO, and negative for CD20. The neoplastic cells were negative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1. Numerous admixed neutrophils also were present, representing up to 70% of all cells in some microscopic fields. Neither patient had peripheral blood leukocytosis. One patient had relative neutrophilia, 79% (0.79; reference range, 50%-70% [0.50-0.70]). The absolute CD4 counts were 160 cells/microL (160 x 10(6)/L) and 150 cells/microL (150 x 10(6)/L), respectively (reference range, 431-1,623/microL [431-1,623 x 10(6)/L]). Both patients were treated with multiagent chemotherapy but died of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia within 6 months of diagnosis. In our review of the literature, we identified 5 similar T-cell cases, including 1 in an HIV-positive patient. Neutrophil-rich T-cell ALCL is a rare morphologic variant of ALCL that should be considered in the histologic evaluation of neutrophil-rich biopsy specimens.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols*
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Fatal Outcome
  • HIV Infections
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neutrophils / pathology*
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Scalp / pathology
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Prednisone

Supplementary concepts

  • CHOP protocol