Clinical analysis of 51 cases of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis

Abstract

Objective To improve the understanding and reduce the misdiagnosis of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) by discussed the clinical characteristics, pathogeny and diagnosis of HNL. Methods Clinical data of 51 patients who were diagnosed with HNL in Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2008 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.All the patients were diagnosed by lymph node biopsy. Results The characteristics of HNL included young onset age with the average age was (25.98±13.53) years old, and the gender prevalence ratio (male to female) was 1∶1.22.Fever, fatigue and joint pain were common symptoms in HNL.Enlarged lymph nodes, hepatospleno-megaly and skin rashes were usually found in HNL patients.The diameter of the enlarged lymph nodes were less than 3 cm with tenderness.Laboratory findings usually indicates leucopenia and anemia, but erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reative protein, serum lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase and aspartame transaminase increased significantly.HNL was resistant to antibiotics, but sensitive to glucocorticoids. Conclusions The lack of specific clinical manifestationand laboratory test method might lead to the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of HNL.Patients with unknown fever, enlarged lymph nodes with pain and leukopenia should be took into consideration of HNL. Key words: Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis; Pathogenesis; Therapy