AJHE2203 - CME/CMLE - Indolent B-Lineage Precursor Populations Identified by Flow Cytometry and Immunohistochemistry in Benign Lymph Nodes-Indolent B-Lineage Precursor Populations Identified by Flow Cytometry and Immunohistochemistry in Benign Lymph Nodes

Indolent B-Lineage Precursor Populations Identified by Flow Cytometry and Immunohistochemistry in Benign Lymph Nodes

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The study focuses on the identification of indolent B-lineage precursor populations, known as hematogones, within benign adult lymph nodes using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. These normal B-cell precursors can be mistaken for B-cell neoplasms such as B-lymphoblastic leukemia or light chain-negative follicular lymphoma. The research found these hematogones exhibited a characteristic immunophenotype and maturational pattern, progressing from stage 1 to stage 3. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of CD10 and TdT cells in a perisinusoidal distribution within the lymph nodes. The study aimed to raise awareness among pathologists to avoid misdiagnosing these benign precursor populations as neoplastic processes.<br /><br />Ten cases involving eight patients were studied, showing hematogones ranging from 0.13% to 1.86% of viable leukocytes. The flow cytometric and immunohistochemical analyses revealed populations of hematogones with distinct CD10+ cells outside germinal centers, supporting their normal precursor nature. Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of recognizing these unique B-cell populations to prevent misdiagnosis and indicates the need for further research on the prevalence and significance of hematogones in benign lymph nodes. Additional studies are required to determine the underlying reasons for the presence of these precursor cells in some lymph nodes and their potential role in lymphoid tissue.

Keywords

hematogones

B-lineage precursor populations

benign adult lymph nodes

flow cytometry

immunohistochemistry

B-cell neoplasms

CD10

TdT cells

maturational pattern

misdiagnosis