Molecular genetic and immunohistochemical analyses of a case of multicentric Castleman's disease.
Whether Castleman's disease is primarily hyperplastic or neoplastic in nature is a matter of controversy; however, the classical localized form has been thought clinically benign in itself, because it can be cured by local therapy. Recently, a multicentric form of the disease has been reported and has received attention because of its aggressive clinical course and high incidence of developing malignant lymphoma. Here, we describe a case of multicentric Castleman's disease which occurred in a 24-year-old Japanese man. To ascertain whether a monoclonal population was present or not, we performed a molecular genetic analysis of the genes encoding the T-cell receptor and the immunoglobulin, as well as a conventional immunohistochemical analysis. Using these sensitive methods, no monoclonal population could be found. The findings suggest that our case represents a reactive rather than a neoplastic disorder.
D000328:Adult; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D005871:Castleman Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D006801:Humans; D007127:Immunoglobulin Constant Regions / Q000235:genetics; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000235:genetics; D007133:Immunoglobulin Joining Region / Q000235:genetics; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D007127:Immunoglobulin Constant Regions; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; D007133:Immunoglobulin Joining Region; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic