Primary isolated extramedullary plasmacytoma of the colon: a case report

The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaA 10th case of extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) of the colon is reported. The term 'primary isolated extramedullary plasmacytoma' is preferred to those terms previously used. A broad classification of plasmacytoma of the gastrointestinal tract is suggested and a management policy, based on this classification, is outlined.Publishers' versio

Lympho epithelioid cellular lymphoma (Lennert's lymphoma). A case report

ArticleThe original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaA woman of 69 with Lennert's lymphoma (malignant lymphoma with a high content of epithelioid histiocytes) is described. The case is unique in that hepatosplenomegaly was the presenting feature (for which splenectomy was carried out) the diagnosis was made on bone marrow biopsy and the disorder appears to have run a benign course. The bone marrow displayed scattered foci of bland epithelioid histiocytes with vesicular nuclei, small nucleoli and abundant acidophilic granular cytoplasm. In and around the clusters of epithelioid histiocytes were lymphocytes and in some foci there were eosinophils in a peripheral location. The lymphocytes showed slight nuclear irregularities and were rounded, oval, or elongated. An occasional immunoblast was seen but they were not a feature of the infiltrate. Reed-Sternberg-like cells were not seen. The spleen weighed 1,200 g. Histologically it showed diffuse involvement of the white pulp and peri-arteriolar lymphoid sheaths with foci identical to those seen in the bone marrow. The liver showed portal and sinusoidal infiltration with atypical lymphocytes, but epithelioid histiocytes were not as prominent as in the bone marrow or spleen.Publishers' versio

Lymphomas of large cells

CITATION: Staples, W. G. & Getaz, E. P. 1997. Lymphomas of large cells. outh African Medical Journal, 52(11):438-443.The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaHistorical aspects of the classification of large-cell lymphomas are described. Immunological characterization of the lymphomas is possible by identification of T and B lymphocytes according to their cell membrane surface characteristics. The pathogenesis of lymphomas has been clarified by the germinal (follicular) center cell concepts of Lennert and Lukes and Collins. The various classifications are presented and compared. Whether these subdivisions will have any relevance in the clinical context remains to be seen.Publisher’s versio

The present status of cytochemistry in the diagnosis of haematological malignancy

CITATION: Staples, W. G. & Getaz, E. P. 1977. The present status of cytochemistry in the diagnosis of haematological malignancy. South African medical Journal, 51(23):838-841.The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaNewer concepts in the application of cytochemistry to the diagnosis of haematological malignancies are discussed. The underlying physiological principles and location of the various enzymes are indicated. Older stains, once thought to be diagnostic, have been shown to be nonspecific. Newer, more accurate stains are now available.Publishers' versio

Bone marrow involvement in malignant lymphoma without peripheral lymphadenopathy

ArticleThe original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaTwelve cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and a single case of Hodgkin's disease were first diagnosed on bone marrow biopsy. None of the patients had superficially enlarged lymph nodes, and in 3 patients the histological examination of the biopsy specimen showed normal reactive nodes. Eight patients were over the age of 60. The differential diagnosis from benign nodular lymphoid hyperplasia is discussed, with emphasis on the cytology and the paratrabecular position of the lymphoid infiltrate. Ten patients had focal involvement of the bone marrow and 1 of the 3 patients with diffuse involvement had Hodgkin's disease. Lymphoid nodules occur normally in the bone marrow and the authors conclude that non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease can arise primarily in the bone marrow.Publishers' versio

Familial Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia: a case report

The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaA patient with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, whose father died of the same condition, is presented. The literature on familial occurrence of paraproteinaemia is briefly reviewed.Publishers' versio

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and hyperthyroidism : A case report

The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaA case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and hyperthyroidism is presented. The treatment of refractory ITP with immunosuppressive agents is briefly considered. In 1931 a patient with coexistent purpura and hyperthyroidism, in whom the purpura disappeared after thyroidectomy was described. Since that time there have been scattered reports of the two conditions having occurred simultaneously. It is the purpose of this case report to focus attention on the possible relationship between the two conditions amd the response of the idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura to immunosuppressive agents.Publishers' versio

Haemophilia

The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaThe clinical and haematological features of haemophilia are reviewed and the historical aspects, pathogenesis and genetics are discussed. The problems associated with management, such as factor replacement, home therapy, physiotherapy, surgical intervention and the presence of inhibitors, are fully described. Finally, mention is made of the psychological problems of haemophiliacs and of the help given by the South African Haemophilia Foundation.Publishers' versio

Disseminated tuberculosis, bone marrow necrosis and lymphoma : a case report

CITATION: Staples, W. G., Getaz, E. P. & Botha, D. 1977. Disseminated tuberculosis, bone marrow necrosis and lymphoma : a case report. South African Medical Journal, 52(17):680-683.The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaTuberculosis often complicates lymphoma, and bone marrow necrosis has been described in disseminated tuberculosis. However, the association of lymphoma, disseminated tuberculosis and bone marrow necrosis is rare. We report a patient with this triple association. After a 3-week influenza-like illness the patient was admitted to hospital semicomatose with pancytopenia and hyponatraemia. During routine examination a bone marrow trephine biopsy revealed diffuse lymphomatous infiltration with scattered necrotic foci. On Ziehl-Neelsen staining these foci exhibited numerous acid-fast bacilli. The patient subsequently died and at autopsy was found to have widely disseminated non-reactive tuberculosis.Publisher’s versio