Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1987. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The histologic features of hyperplastic lymphadenopathy in AIDS-related complex are nonspecific.
Am J Surg Pathol. 1987 Feb;11(2):94-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/87125477 O'Murchadha MT; Wolf BC; Neiman RS
Abstract:
Follicular hyperplasia is the most common histologic finding in lymph nodes of patients with AIDS-related complex (ARC) and persistent generalized lymphadenopathy. To determine the specificity of the published features considered characteristic of this condition, we compared two sets of lymph-node biopsy specimens with follicular hyperplasia. Thirty-eight specimens were from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/HTLV3/LAV) positive homosexual men with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, and 87 specimens were from patients free of AIDS risk. Polykaryocytes, epithelioid histiocytes, and follicle mantle zone effacement were significantly more common in the ARC group. Dermatopathic change and so-called follicle lysis were significantly more common in control, non-ARC nodes. No statistically significant difference between the two groups could be demonstrated for the following features: irregularity of follicles, burnt-out follicles, sinus monocytoid cells, marked plasmacytosis, and the toxoplasmosis triad. Most importantly, no feature was seen exclusively in either of the two groups. Although some features considered characteristic of the hyperplastic form of ARC lymphadenopathy are seen more commonly in this condition than in lymph nodes showing follicular hyperplasia unrelated to ARC, none of these features is specific for ARC and there is no histologic picture diagnostic of this condition.
Keywords: Adolescence Adult Aged AIDS-Related Complex/*COMPLICATIONS/PATHOLOGY Child Child, Preschool Female Giant Lymph Node Hyperplasia/*PATHOLOGY Human Lymph Nodes/PATHOLOGY Male Middle Age Risk JOURNAL ARTICLE
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