Ocular adnexal lymphoid proliferations: clinical, histologic, flow cytometric, and molecular analysis of forty-three cases.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical features, histologic findings, flow cytometric immunophenotypes, and molecular profiles of ocular adnexal lymphoid proliferations.


METHODS
Prospective noncomparative case series.


METHODS
Forty-three patients suspected of having ocular adnexal lymphoid proliferations were biopsied and prospectively evaluated.


METHODS
Provisional diagnoses were made on the basis of routine histology and immunohistochemistry for B and T cells. Results of flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) and molecular assessment using polymerase chain reaction for immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) and TCR gamma chain gene rearrangement and bcl-2/IgH translocation were then incorporated into a final diagnosis. Demographic and clinical outcome data were collected.


METHODS
Final diagnosis based on histology, flow cytometry, and polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Forty-three cases were studied. Final diagnoses included 17 lymphomas, 18 chronic inflammations, 4 reactive lymphoid hyperplasias, and 4 atypical lymphoid infiltrates. Preliminary evaluation accurately categorized all 43 cases as either lymphoma or nonlymphoma. FCI permitted more precise subclassification of the lymphomas according to the Revised European American Lymphoma (REAL) system of nomenclature as follows: eight marginal zone B cell (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type), three mantle cell, two follicular, three large cell, and one lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma. FCI showed a clonal B cell proliferation in 94% (16 of 17) of the lymphomas; FCI identified a clonal B cell population in 4% (1 of 25) of cases of nonlymphomas. Molecular evidence of clonality was identified in 88% (15 of 17) of lymphomas, 39% (7 of 18) of chronic inflammations, and 50% (4 of 8) of reactive lymphoid hyperplasias and atypical lymphoid infiltrates.


CONCLUSIONS
The histologic diagnosis of ocular adnexal lymphoid lesions is highly accurate when determined by an experienced pathologist. FCI refines the histologic diagnosis and classification. Results of molecular studies should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical, histologic, and immunophenotyping findings.
Sharara
Nariman
N
Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Holden
Jeannine T
JT
Wojno
Ted H
TH
Feinberg
Andrew S
AS
Grossniklaus
Hans E
HE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015334:Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor / Q000235:genetics; D019254:Genes, bcl-2 / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000235:genetics; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains