Crystal-storing histiocytosis associated with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma mimicking Weber-Christian disease: immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and gene-rearrangement studies

Hum Pathol. 1996 Jan;27(1):84-7. doi: 10.1016/s0046-8177(96)90143-4.

Abstract

A case of crystal-storing histiocytosis associated with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is presented. Unlike previous cases, this patient presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of Weber-Christian disease. Biopsy of subcutaneous nodules showed numerous deposits of crystal-storing histiocytes with lymphoplasmacytic cells, the latter exhibiting light chain restriction (lambda-chain) with a predominance of immunoglobulin (Ig)G heavy chain. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of CDR-II* region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus confirmed monoclonality of the lymphoplasmacytic cells in the nodule. Electron microscopy showed polygonal-shaped amorphous crystals, characteristic of immunoglobulin in the histiocytic cells. Crystal-storing histiocytosis should be examined by immunohistochemical and DNA analysis to confirm or exclude the possibility of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Crystallization
  • DNA / analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Histiocytosis / complications*
  • Histiocytosis / diagnosis
  • Histiocytosis / genetics
  • Histiocytosis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / analysis
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / complications*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / genetics
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology*
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Panniculitis, Nodular Nonsuppurative / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
  • DNA