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Atypical angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas masquerading as systemic polyclonal B-immunoblastic proliferation

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Abstract

Angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL) is a relatively rare peripheral T cell lymphoma derived from follicular T helper cells. AITL has a varied presentation, both clinically and morphologically. AITL can pose a diagnostic challenge as it may be difficult to identify and characterize the neoplastic cells among the polymorphous infiltrates composed of polyclonal B immunoblasts and plasma cells. In AITL, the reactive B cell and plasma cell proliferation is secondary to dysregulated secretion of cytokines such as interleukin-6 by the neoplastic follicular T helper cells. SPBIP is a condition of unknown etiopathogenesis characterized by systemic involvement by polyclonal B immunoblasts and plasma cells. We report two cases of AITL, which are presented with atypical findings making it difficult to diagnose. The cases had features similar to SPBIP. Our cases highlight the importance of screening cases of polyclonal plasmacytosis and SPBIP like cases for underlying AITL.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of South Alabama, 2451 Fillingim Street, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA

    Bhavesh Papadi & Jacek M. Polski

  2. Department of Hematology-Oncology, University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA

    David R. Clarkson & Theresa O. Liu-Dumlao

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  1. Bhavesh Papadi
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  2. Jacek M. Polski
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  3. David R. Clarkson
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  4. Theresa O. Liu-Dumlao
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Correspondence to Jacek M. Polski.

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Papadi, B., Polski, J.M., Clarkson, D.R. et al. Atypical angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas masquerading as systemic polyclonal B-immunoblastic proliferation. Virchows Arch 461, 323–331 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00428-012-1280-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00428-012-1280-5

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