Clinical Research
Copyright ©2005 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jun 28, 2005; 11(24): 3729-3734
Published online Jun 28, 2005. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i24.3729
Hepatosplenic γδ T-cell lymphoma
Shuan-Zeng Wei, Tong-Hua Liu, De-Tian Wang, Jin-Ling Cao, Yu-Feng Luo, Zhi-Yong Liang
Tong-Hua Liu, De-Tian Wang, Jin-Ling Cao, Yu-Feng Luo, Zhi-Yong Liang, Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
Shuan-Zeng Wei, Department of Pathology, North China Coal Medical College, Tangshan 063000, Hebei Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Tong-Hua Liu, Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China. liuth@pumch.ac.cn
Telephone: +86-10-65295522 Fax: +86-10-65295522
Received: April 24, 2004
Revised: April 25, 2004
Accepted: May 9, 2004
Published online: June 28, 2005
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics, immunophenotype and TCR gene rearrangements of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in eight Chinese patients.

METHODS: Eight Chinese patients with hepatosplenic γδ T-cell lymphomas were studied. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides and clinical histories were reviewed. We also carried out immunohistochemical staining for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD43, CD56, CD79a, UCHL-1, and TCR γδ. Rearrangements of TCR gamma and delta chain genes were also studied.

RESULTS: The spleens were enlarged and the cut surfaces were homogeneous and red-purple in color without identifiable gross lesions or enlarged hilar lymph nodes. Histologically, lymphoma cells infiltrated the cords of Billroth and often packed the sinuses. Liver biopsy showed lymphoma cell infiltrations in the sinusoids, and three cases showed involvements of the portal tracts. Immunohistochemically lymphoma cells were positive for CD3, CD43, and CD56 in all cases. Four of eight cases were positive for CD8, and all cases were negative for CD4 (6/6). Monoclonal rearrangements of TCR γ gene were demonstrated by PCR analysis in five out of the eight cases. TCR δ gene rearrangements were detected in six out of the eight cases, which demonstrated single bands on PAGE gel, and the amplification products in two cases were confirmed by sequencing.

CONCLUSION: The clinicopathology of hepatosplenic γδ T-cell lymphoma in Chinese patients is similar to what was previously reported except that the splenomegaly is not so massive, and CD8 is positive.

Keywords: Immunophenotype; Hepatosplenic T-cell