Cutaneous CD30‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders with CD8 expression: a clinicopathologic study of 21 cases

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) belong to the spectrum of cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders, an indolent form of T‐cell lymphoproliferative disease. We reviewed 21 cases of CD30+ lymphoproliferative lesions expressing cytotoxic profile (CD8+). Seven cases of cutaneous ALCL, 2 cases of systemic ALCL involving the skin, and 12 cases of LyP. The cases of LyP were predominated by small lymphocytes exhibiting a prominent epidermotropic pattern consistent with either type B or type D LyP. Four cases showed co‐expression of CD56. The ALCL cases included myxoid features, pseudoepitheliomatous change, and an intravascular component. In all cases that were primary in the skin an indolent clinical course was seen while one patient with systemic myxoid ALCL is in remission following systemic multiagent chemotherapy. The paucity of other neutrophils and eosinophils and concomitant granulomatous inflammation were distinctive features in cases of type B and type D LyP. CD30 and CD45 Ro positivity and a clinical course typical of LyP were useful differentiating features from an aggressive cytotoxic CD8+ T cell lymphoma. In all cases that were primary in the skin an indolent clinical course was observed. CD30 and CD45 Ro positivity and a clinical course typical of LyP were useful in preventing a misdiagnosis of an aggressive cytotoxic CD8+ T cell lymphoma.     

CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder with spindle‐cell morphology

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is classified as a CD30+ primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative disease. The phenotypic variability along the spectrum of CD30+ lymphoproliferative diseases is highlighted by the distinct histologic subtypes of LyP types A, B, C, and the more recently described types D, E, and F. We report the case of an elderly woman with a clinical presentation and histopathologic findings consistent with LyP, whose atypical CD30+ infiltrate uniquely demonstrated a spindle‐cell morphology. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of LyP characterized by CD30+ spindle‐shaped cells, and may represent a new and distinct histologic variant of LyP.     

Contribution of longitudinal follow up and clinical pathological correlation in the diagnosis CD30‐positive skin infiltrates

The diagnosis of a CD30+ cutaneous infiltrate is often difficult and requires clinicopathologic correlation. To further evaluate this challenge, initial clinical and histopathologic diagnoses were correlated with final clinicopathologic diagnosis in 44 cases with CD30 immunopositivity. Dermatopathologic evaluation confirmed the initial clinical diagnosis in 65% of the suspected benign cases, all cases of suspected lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), and 72% of clinically malignant cases. In the 25 patients with clinical suspicion for lymphoma, the histopathologic diagnoses included lymphoma in 18, LyP in 2, CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder (CD30 LPD) in 3 and hypersensitivity reaction in 2 patients. Clinicopathologic correlation led to a change in three cases diagnosed histopathologically as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) reclassified as LyP type C, and one patient diagnosed as CD30 LPD clinically evolved as herpes virus infection. Furthermore, five cases reported as CD30 LPD received more specific diagnoses after clinicopathologic correlation (LyP type C in three, and ALCL in two patients). Clinicopathologic correlation is essential in establishing the correct diagnosis of CD30 LPD, in particular the distinction of ALCL from LyP type C. In this setting, the histopathologic diagnosis of CD30 LPD is advisable in the absence of clinical data.     

Potential involvement of Notch1 signalling in the pathogenesis of primary cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders

Background  The central role of Notch signalling in T‐cell development and oncogenesis raises the question of the importance of this pathway in cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas. Objectives  To investigate the pattern of expression of Notch and its ligands, Jagged and Delta, in skin samples of primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders. Methods  Immunohistochemistry of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded skin samples from 12 patients with lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and 11 patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Immunofluorescence studies of fresh skin samples obtained from three patients with LyP and two patients with primary cutaneous ALCL. Results  We identified single Notch1‐positive cells or small clusters of atypical cells in LyP. Similarly, strongly positive Jagged1 cells tended to be localized in clusters. Primary cutaneous ALCL had higher expression of Notch1 and Jagged1 compared with LyP. Cells expressing Notch1 and Jagged1 were colocalized and a subset of cells expressed both the receptor and the ligand. The expression of the ligand Delta1 was low to undetectable in both types of lymphoproliferations. A subpopulation of lymphoma cells was found to coexpress Notch1 and activated Akt kinase. Conclusions  These results imply a potential role for the Notch signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders and provide a rationale for the exploration of the activity of Notch antagonists in the therapy of these diseases.     

CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder: primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma followed by lymphomatoid papulosis

CD30+ large anaplastic lymphoid cells are seen in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and also in lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and other lymphoproliferative disorders. It can be difficult precisely to categorize these disorders with CD30+ cells. We report a case of primary cutaneous CD30+ ALCL with systemic metastases in whom the clinical disease subsequently evolved into LyP. The patient was initially administered cisplatin and etoposide and made a good response. Eighteen months later, recurrent, self-healing cutaneous small nodules appeared around the original tumour site without any systemic involvement. Histopathological examination of the recurrent lesions revealed infiltration with a mixture of cells that included neutrophils, eosinophils and CD30+ large anaplastic cells cytologically identical with those in the primary lesion. The anaplastic cells in both the primary and recurrent lesions were positive for monoclonal antibodies CD30, CD25 and a monoclonal antibody directed against the chimeric protein p80(NPM-ALK). These observations suggest the possibility that the ALCL and the subsequent LyP represent different clinical manifestations of proliferation of the same clone.     

Expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors in cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the mechanisms involved in skin-specific homing in CD30+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders (CLPD). Chemokine/chemokine receptor interactions have been implicated in the homing of lymphoma cells to various tissue sites. OBJECTIVES: To investigate tissue samples from patients with CD30+ CLPD for the expression of the chemokine receptors CXCR3, CCR4 and CCR3 and their ligands MIG, TARC and RANTES. METHODS: Tissue samples from patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL, n=12) and lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP, n=13) were studied by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections. Immunohistochemical analysis was also performed for CD20 (for B cells), CD45RO and CD3 (for T cells), CD30 and ALK-1. A portion of each skin specimen was stored at -80 degrees C and later examined using monoclonal antibodies against CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD15, CD19, CD20 and CD30. RESULTS: CD30+ atypical lymphoid cells were frequently seen in PCALCL, and to a variable degree in LyP. In both disorders there were scattered CD3+ and CD45RO+ atypical lymphoid cells, but CD2, CD5, CD15, CD19, CD20 and ALK-1 showed negative reactivity. In addition, CD4+, but not CD8+, atypical lymphoid cells were occasionally seen in both disorders. CCR3 was expressed by atypical lymphoid cells in 10 of 12 (83%) cases of PCALCL, but in only five of 13 (38%) cases of LyP. CXCR3 was expressed in 11 of 13 (85%) cases of LyP, but in only one of 12 (8%) cases of PCALCL. CCR4 was expressed in 11 of 12 (92%) cases of PCALCL, but in only two of 13 (15%) cases of LyP. RANTES was strongly expressed by lymphoma cells in PCALCL (11 of 12: 92%), but was weak or sporadic in LyP (seven of 13: 54%). TARC showed weak or sporadic reactivity in both LyP and PCALCL, and MIG did not show a distinctive expression pattern in either disorder. CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that CCR3 is associated with the autocrine function in PCALCL, as evidenced by CCR3 coexpression with its ligand RANTES. We also found that LyP cells expressed CXCR3, which might support their migration towards the CXCR3 ligand MIG, which is expressed in stromal cells of the skin.     

MUM1 expression in cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders: a valuable tool for the distinction between lymphomatoid papulosis and primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma

Background Primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders include lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large T‐cell lymphoma (ALCL). Because of overlapping histological features, it is impossible to distinguish ALCL from LyP on histological grounds. MUM1 (Multiple Myeloma oncogene 1) is expressed in systemic ALCL and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. MUM1 expression has not been studied in detail in CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders. Objectives To examine the expression of MUM1 in CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders and to assess its value as a diagnostic marker. Methods Thirty‐one formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded specimens of LyP (n = 15), primary cutaneous ALCL (n = 10), secondary cutaneous infiltrates of systemic ALCL (n = 4) and secondary cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 2) were analysed by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody against MUM1. Results Positive staining for MUM1 was observed in 13 cases of LyP (87%), two cases of primary cutaneous ALCL (20%), four cases of secondary cutaneous ALCL (100%) and two cases of secondary cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma (100%). In 11 of 13 LyP cases (85%), MUM1 was displayed by the majority, i.e. 50–90%, of the tumour cells. In contrast to LyP and secondary cutaneous ALCL, only two cases of primary cutaneous ALCL (20%) harboured MUM1‐positive tumour cells. There was a statistically significant difference in the expression of MUM1 between LyP and primary cutaneous ALCL (P = 0·002) and between primary cutaneous ALCL and secondary cutaneous ALCL (P = 0·015). Conclusions MUM1 expression is a valuable tool for the distinction of LyP and ALCL and thus represents a novel adjunctive diagnostic marker in CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders.     

CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders—An Australian Clinical Practice Statement from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

The CD30-postive lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphomatoid papulosis and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, account for up to 30% of all cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) and are the second most common form of CTCLs after mycosis fungoides. Both conditions differ in their clinical presentations; however, they share the expression of the CD30 antigen as a common immunophenotypic hallmark. There is a wide spectrum of management options depending on factors such as extent of disease, staging and treatment tolerability. This Clinical Practice Statement is reflective of the current clinical practice in Australia.     

Primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder following cardiac transplantation in a 15-year-old boy with Netherton's syndrome

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (PCTCLDs) are uncommon in organ transplant recipients. CD30+ PCTCLDs are rare in children and have not previously been reported following organ transplantation. We report a 15-year-old boy with Netherton's syndrome who developed CD30+ PCTCLD 6 years following a cardiac transplantation.     

CD30+ clonal T‐cell lymphoid proliferation of the skin in a patient with hypereosinophilic syndrome

We report a hitherto undescribed unusual CD30+ clonal T‐cell proliferation in a 46‐year‐old man with the lymphocytic variant of hypereosinophilic syndrome with a 17‐year history of pruritus, generalized persistent papulonodular skin lesions and peripheral blood hypereosinophilia. A skin biopsy showed an eosinophil‐rich infiltrate with small to medium‐sized CD30+ lymphocytes and Churg‐Strauss granulomas. Peripheral blood flow cytometry revealed an aberrant T‐cell clone which, molecular genetically, was identical to the T‐cell clone detected in the skin. No genetic aberrations of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA), FIP1L1‐PDGFRA, PDGFRB or FGFR1 were found. The skin lesions showed transient response to systemic and topical corticosteroids. The skin lesions represent cutaneous involvement by clonal T‐cells in hypereosinophilic syndrome and differ from known cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders.     

Clinical spectrum of primary cutaneous CD30‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: an analysis of the Mannheim Cutaneous Lymphoma Registry

Background: Primary cutaneous CD30⁺ anaplastic large cell lymphomas (C‐ALCL) have indolent clinical behavior with an estimated 5‐year survival rate of 95%. The clinical features and disease courses of C‐ALCL identified in the lymphoma registry of Mannheim University hospital are described in the following. Patients and methods: All C‐ALCL patients identified in the database were analyzed in regard to clinical picture, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, staging, therapy, follow‐up, and outcome. Results: 14 C‐ALCL patients were identified. The mean age was 69 years and 57% were men. Solitary skin lesions in one anatomical region were seen in 12 patients upon initial diagnosis. Two patients presented with multiple lesions at different anatomical sites. In 2 patients there was specific lymph node involvement. In one C‐ALCL patient, follow‐up over 17 months revealed extracutaneous infiltration. Half of the patients relapsed and 36% had multiple episodes. The majority of our patients were treated with surgical excision followed by electron beam radiotherapy. The 5‐year survival rate was 93% in C‐ALCL. Conclusions: The clinical presentation of C‐ALCL varies. Staging procedures and a close clinical pathological correlation at initial diagnosis are essential. Due to a high rate of relapses and the possibility of developing extranodal manifestations over the course of the disease, close follow‐up is recommended.     

Lymphomatoid papulosis with pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia in a 7‐year‐old girl: a case report

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) belongs to the group of cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders. Pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia has rarely been reported in patients with LyP. In this report, we describe a case of LyP presenting as pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia. The patient was a 7‐year‐old girl who presented with a recurrent papulonodular eruption on her face and trunk for 2 months. Histopathologic examination revealed an irregular growth of hyperkeratotic epidermis into the whole dermal layer with marked nests of squamous cells in the background of diffuse atypical lymphoid cells, eosinophils and neutrophils. The large atypical cells were positive for CD30 and CD3, but negative for CD4, CD5, CD8, CD20 and CD56. A TCR‐γ clone was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The correct diagnosis in cases of LyP with overlying pseudocarcinomatous epithelial hyperplasia can be very difficult both clinically and histopathologically. Clinical and histopathologic characteristics should be integrated to avoid an erroneous diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma or keratoacanthoma.     

Lymphomatoid papulosis subtype C: A case report and literature review

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a rare CD30⁺ lymphoproliferative primary skin disease with a benign clinical course and malignant histopathology. LyP is classified into seven subtypes based on histopathology: subtypes A through F and LyP with 6p25.3 chromosome rearrangement. We present here, a case report of a 51‐year‐old man, afflicted with multiple papules and nodules on his left arm for over 3 months and diagnosed with LyP subtype C. The patient refused treatment, and his lesions faded with no visible rash on the left arm 14 months after diagnosis.     

Histopathological aspects and differential diagnosis of CD8 positive lymphomatoid papulosis

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) belongs to CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders with indolent clinical course. Classic histological subtypes, A, B and C are characterized by the CD4+ phenotype, while CD8+ variants, most commonly classified as type D, were reported in recent years. We present 14 cases of CD8+ LyP. In all patients, self‐resolving or treatment‐sensitive papules were observed. Of 14 cases 7 produced results with typical microscopic features of LyP type D mimicking primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ T‐cell lymphoma. The infiltration pattern in 4 of 14 cases were consistent with classic LyP type B, without CD30 expression in two cases, resembling mycosis fungoides (MF). The morphology of 2 of 14 cases shared a certain consistency with classic type A and C, lacking eosinophils and neutrophils. Extensive folliculotropism characteristic to type F was observed in 1 of 14 case. Significant MUM1 and PD1 expression were detected in 2 of 14 and 3 of 14 cases, respectively. We concluded that CD8+ LyP may present with different histopathological features compared with type D, similar to CD4+ LyP variants. Differential diagnoses include CD8+ papular MF, folliculotropic MF and anaplastic large cell lymphoma in addition to primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic T‐cell lymphoma. We emphasise that rare CD8+ LyP cases may exist with CD30‐negativity.     

A case of mycosis fungoides after CD30 positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma

A 55-year-old woman presented with mycosis fungoides (MF) after the total excision of primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). In the specimens obtained from the nodule of CD30+ ALCL and the plaque lesion of MF, the same pattern of T-cell receptor gene rearragement was detected.     

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC‐ALCL) is a CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) of the skin with a relatively good prognosis in the absence of high‐stage disease. CD30+ LPDs comprise approximately 25%‐30% of primary cutaneous lymphomas and as a group represent the second most common clonal T‐cell neoplasm of the skin behind mycosis fungoides. Diagnosis of PC‐ALCL relies strongly on clinicopathologic correlation given the potential morphologic, clinical and molecular overlap with the other cutaneous CD30+ LPD, lymphomatoid papulosis, and more aggressive hematolymphoid neoplasms.     

累及中枢神经系统的皮肤CD30~+间变性大细胞淋巴瘤1例

患者男,75岁,反复皮肤肿块11年。1个月前第3次复发伴语言、记忆和生活自理能力减退。头颅MRI示:左额叶,右顶叶多发占位,颅内淋巴瘤浸润。左大腿肿块组织病理示:真皮内大量异型细胞,体积较大,形态不规则,核扭曲,核分裂相可见;免疫组化:CD3(+),UCHL-1(+),CD30(+),ALK(-),MIB-1>90%。诊断:皮肤CD30+间变性大细胞淋巴瘤。中枢神经系统(central nerve system,CNS)累及可以是皮肤间变性大细胞淋巴瘤发生皮外累及的唯一部位,患者的意识改变是进行CNS筛查的重要提示。