[Progressive transformation of lymph node germinal centers: a case report and literature review.].
OBJECTIVE
To improve the understanding of progressive transformation of lymph node germinal centers (PTGC) and to explore its clinical, histopathologic and immunohistochemical features and the differential diagnosis between the related disease of germinal center hyperplasia.


METHODS
The clinical manifestation, laboratory bindings, treatment and outcome of a patient with PTGC were presented.


RESULTS
The main manifestation of the patient was painless peripheral lymphadenopathy. Histopathologic examination of an axillary lymph node showed reactive follicular hyperplasia and the progressive transformation changes germinal centers. The borderline between the germinal center and the mantle layer was obscured. The cells in the progressive transforming germinal centers were positive for CD20(+), CD5(+), CDw75(+).


CONCLUSIONS
PTGC is a rare lymphoid disorder. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are important basis of the diagnosis.
Li
Chun-Ming
CM
Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China.
Yang
Rui-Fang
RF
Shen
Wen-Yi
WY
Gong
Qi-Xing
QX
Chen
Li-Juan
LJ
Xu
Wei
W
Li
Jian-Yong
JY
Wu
Han-Xin
HX
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018858:Germinal Center; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D008198:Lymph Nodes; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases