Abstract
The relationship between lymphadenopathy and certain drugs especially the hydantoins has been well documented. Although the histologic appearance of the lymph node may be quite disturbing and suggest a malignant lymphoma, most cases, but not all, are clinically and pathologically benign. This report documents the occurrence of a lymph node proliferation in a child which resembled malignant histiocytosis. The differential diagnostic problem between malignant histiocytosis and immunoblastic lymphadenopathy in childhood is illustrated and explored in the context of this case.
A 12-year-old male developed a generalized rash, fever, diffuse lymphadenopathy (including mediastinal) and hepatosplenomegaly soon after the onset of Griseofulvin therapy. An enlarged cervical lymph node revealed a predominatly sinusoidal proliferation of large, atypical “histiocytoid” cells and abundant mitotic activity. Partial obliteration of the follicular architecture had occurred. Following an interpretation of probable malignant histiocytosis, Griseofulvin therapy was discontinued and it was elected to withhold further treatment. All abnormal clinical findings regressed and the patient has remained well for over 2 years. A repeat lymph node biopsy was unremarkable. Retrospectively, the atypical “histiocytoid” cells represented, in fact, “immunoblasts” or transformed lymphocytes and the process more appropriately belongs to the category of immunoblastic lymphadenopathy (N. Engl. J. Med,292: 1,1975. Am J Med 59:803, 1975).
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dehner, L., Krivit, W. GRISEOFULVIN THERAPY AS A CAUSE OF LYMPH NODE PROLIFERATION RESEMBLING MALIGNANT HISTIOCYTOSIS. Pediatr Res 11, 470 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00602
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00602