Histiocytic proliferations in childhood.

Histiocytic disorders occur with increased frequency in children and young adults. The wide spectrum of neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases characterized by histiocytic proliferation was reflected in the cases submitted to the 2003 Society for Hematopathology and the European Association for Haematopathology Workshop. This review focuses on the entities represented at the workshop. It includes an overview of the classification and immunophenotype of the histiocytic disorders. The clinical and pathologic features of each entity are illustrated with representative cases submitted to the workshop, with an emphasis on recent biologic and genetic insights. In addition, a brief review of the pathologic features of the lysosomal storage disorders is included, with an emphasis on findings relevant to the practicing hematopathologist, exemplified with cases presented at the workshop.