Diagnosis of conjunctival B-cell lymphoma by polymerase chain reaction heteroduplex analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case initially assessed as giant papillary conjunctivitis and subsequently as B-cell lymphoma by the molecular technique of polymerase chain reaction heteroduplex analysis.


METHODS
Observational case report.


METHODS
Clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical, and polymerase chain reaction heteroduplex analysis findings are presented.


RESULTS
A 32-year-old man developed unilateral blepharoptosis secondary to an extensive palpebral conjunctival follicular-like process. Excisional biopsy showed a dense small lymphocyte infiltrate consistent with benign lymphoid hyperplasia by histology and immunohistologic marker studies. Polymerase chain reaction heteroduplex analysis revealed low-grade B-cell lymphoma, however. Systemic examination was negative. Focal radiation therapy was performed, and preliminary results show no signs of lymphoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Polymerase chain reaction heteroduplex analysis established a diagnosis of conjunctival B-cell lymphoma in the absence of supporting histology and immunohistochemistry studies. This technique may provide independent, diagnostic distinction between benign lymphoid hyperplasia and low-grade B-cell lymphoma of the ocular adnexa.
Strauss
Erich C
EC
Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, California, San Francisco, USA. strauss@itsa.ucsf.edu
Warren
John F
JF
Margolis
Todd P
TP
Holsclaw
Douglas S
DS
D000328:Adult; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000532:radiotherapy; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D020180:Heteroduplex Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm