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Follicular hyperplasia in lymph nodes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A clinicopathologic study
Author(s) -
Nosanchuk Jerome S.,
Schintzier Bertram
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(196908)24:2<343::aid-cncr2820240217>3.0.co;2-c
Subject(s) - medicine , follicular hyperplasia , pathology , lymph , germinal center , pathognomonic , rheumatoid arthritis , lymph node , lymphoid hyperplasia , hyperplasia , plasmacytosis , biopsy , follicular phase , lymphoma , bone marrow , immunology , b cell , antibody , disease
Significant lymphadenopathy frequently occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (R.A.). Because malignant Iymphoma cannot be excluded in these patients, lymph node biopsy may be carried out. Characteristic, although not pathognomonic histologic features of lymph nodes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis are severe reactive follicular hyperplasia throughout both cortex and medulla and prominent plasmacytosis in the interfollicular region. Proliferation of vascular endothelium, infiltration of lymph node capsule and perinodal fat by lymphocytes was frequent, and neutrophils were seen in sinuses. Rheumatoid follicular hyperplasia may simulate malignant nodular (follicular) Iymphoma. The presence of discrete follicles with active germinal centers surrounded by a well‐demarcated cuff of lymphocytes, the presence of numerous plasma cells in the interfollicular areas, and such a change as proliferation of vascular endothelium are features of a benign rather than malignant process. Although these criteria are not pathognomonic of lymph nodes in R.A., they are characteristic, especially in the adult.