Auer rod-like inclusions in circulating lymphoma cells.

Abstract

Circulating malignant lymphocytes from a 55-year-old woman with small cleaved follicular center cell lymphoma contained azurophilic splinter-shaped cytoplasmic inclusions. By light microscopic and ultrastructural criteria, these structures closely resembled Auer rods found in acute myeloid leukemia; however, the authors could not find cytochemical evidence of lysosomal origin (results were negative for myeloperoxidase, Sudan black B, acid phosphatase, and periodic acid-Schiff). Immunostaining and flow cytometric analysis confirmed a monoclonal IgM-kappa immunophenotype of the circulating malignant lymphoid cells. The inclusions did not show specific immunoglobulin staining by light microscopic or electron microscopic immunostaining techniques. The authors conclude that these membrane-bound inclusions probably represent aberrant lysosomes in the malignant cells.

• Authors: D A Groom, D Wong, R K Brynes, L K Macaulay
• Journal: American journal of clinical pathology (Am J Clin Pathol) Vol. 96 Issue 1 Pg. 111-5 (Jul 1991) ISSN: 0002-9173 [Print] England
• PMID: 1712539 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Female
• Flow Cytometry
• Humans
• Inclusion Bodies (ultrastructure)
• Lymphoma (pathology, ultrastructure)
• Microscopy, Electron
• Microscopy, Immunoelectron
• Middle Aged
• Neoplastic Cells, Circulating (pathology, ultrastructure)
• Staining and Labeling