BACKGROUND: Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML) was described over 20 years ago by Rosai and Dorfman. Originally it was described as occurring in young males, predominantly with cervical lymphadenopathy. Since then over 423 histologically documented cases of SHML have been documented, including many extranodal sites. Few studies have characterized the cytologic features of SHML. CASE: Three cases of lymph node involvement by SHML occurred, one also with skin involvement. Cytologic findings included numerous histiocytes with phagocytized lymphocytes, atypical forms of histiocytes and a reactive, lymphoid background. Surgical biopsy and immunohistochemical stain for S-100 protein of all three cases confirmed the cytologic impression. CONCLUSION: Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy can be diagnosed by cytology in conjunction with clinical history and immunohistochemistry.
BACKGROUND: Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML) was described over 20 years ago by Rosai and Dorfman. Originally it was described as occurring in young males, predominantly with cervical lymphadenopathy. Since then over 423 histologically documented cases of SHML have been documented, including many extranodal sites. Few studies have characterized the cytologic features of SHML. CASE: Three cases of lymph node involvement by SHML occurred, one also with skin involvement. Cytologic findings included numerous histiocytes with phagocytized lymphocytes, atypical forms of histiocytes and a reactive, lymphoid background. Surgical biopsy and immunohistochemical stain for S-100 protein of all three cases confirmed the cytologic impression. CONCLUSION: Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy can be diagnosed by cytology in conjunction with clinical history and immunohistochemistry.