[Angio-immunoblastic lymphadenopathy]

Abstract

A report is presented on four cases of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. In this recently individualized entity, adenomegaly with fever and cutaneous eruption is associated with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia and autoimmunization, especially of anti-erythrocytic type. The lymph nodes are homogenized by a lymphoplasmo-immunoblastic granuloma with angiogenesis. The disease could be attributed to hyperplasia of B lymphocytes with a deficit of T cells, which would explain the autoimmunization. It appears in some cases to be triggered by accidents of drug intolerance. Prognosis is poor and the course of the disease is nearly always fatal in the long or short term. It is difficult to ascertain whether prolonged remissions, either spontaneous or therapeutic, can be considered actual cures.