Small lymphocytic lymphomas with predominant splenomegaly: a comparison of immunophenotypes with cases of predominant lymphadenopathy.

Abstract

In this study, we compared small lymphocytic lymphomas with predominant lymphadenopathy with those with predominant splenomegaly and found differences in morphology and immunophenotype as well as clinical features. Cases with lymphadenopathy were characterized by widespread disease, CLL type morphology with proliferation centers, and a CD5, CD11c, CD23, CD43 positive, CD45Ro negative immunophenotype. Cases with predominant splenomegaly had more localized disease, a mantle zone pattern or a diffuse growth pattern without proliferation centers, and a CD5, CD11c, CD23, CD43 negative, and sometimes CD45Ro positive immunophenotype. CD45Ro (UCHL1) positivity and alkaline phosphatase staining were associated with a mantle zone growth pattern. Comparison with other small lymphocytic lymphoma subtypes indicated that each has its own specific immunophenotype.