title: A clinicopathological classification of granulomatous disorders.
abstract: Granulomatous disorders comprise a large family sharing the histological denominator of granuloma formation. A granuloma is a focal compact collection of inflammatory cells, mononuclear cells predominating, usually as a result of the persistence of a non-degradable product and of active cell mediated hypersensitivity. There is a complex interplay between invading organism or prolonged antigenaemia, macrophage activity, a Th1 cell response, B cell overactivity and a vast array of biological mediators. Differential diagnosis and management demand a skilful interpretation of clinical findings and pathological evidence. They are classified into infections, vasculitis, immunological aberration, leucocyte oxidase deficiency, hypersensitivity, chemicals, and neoplasia.
authors.affiliation: Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London, UK.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006099:Granuloma / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology