Benign Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia Research Articles

Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the uvea in a patient with birdshot chorioretinopathy

An HLA-A29-positive 82-year-old female diagnosed with birdshot chorioretinopathy 15 years earlier presented with recurrent floaters and blurred vision in the right eye. In addition to increased vitreous haze, fundus examination showed multifocal yellow–orange choroidal lesions. These infiltrates corresponded to focal areas of hyporeflective choroidal thickening with optical coherence tomography (Fig. A) consistent with birdshot-related inflammatory infiltrates versus benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Treatment with oral prednisone led to symptomatic improvement and anatomic resolution of the choroidal infiltrate within 4 weeks (Fig. B).

A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH CERVICAL LYMPHADENOPATHY BY FNAC AND ITS HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION

Background- Cervical lymphadenopathy is one of the most frequent clinical presentation of patients attending out patient department and also the most common manifestations of underlying pathology of the head and neck region, with numerous differential diagnoses such as neoplasms and infections Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is considered as a safe, easy, quick and also the rst line diagnostic technique for evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy. The study comprised of 150 Materials and methodpatients clinically presenting with cervical lymph node swelling coming for FNAC to the department of pathology. Out of 150 patients, 25 patients underwent surgery and histopathological correlation was done for these patients. Results: Among the 150 cases majority of the patients were males 70 % with M:F ratio 2.33:1.Age of the patients ranged from 1 to 90 years with a mean age of 40.44 years.Most of the lymph node lesions were seen in the age group of 21-30 years(20.67%). Level IIb lymph node was most commonly affected(36%).In FNAC 63.70 % cases were benign and 36.29 % cases were malignant.Among the benign lesions Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia was most common(25.9%) and in the malignant lesions metastatic carcinoma was most common(19.25%). In HPE 82.5% were benign and 17.5% were malignant.There was a strong correlation among the FNAC and HPE ndings where reactive lymphoid hyperplasia was found to be most common benign lesion. Conclusion: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is a rapid, safe, efcient, cost-effective and the rst line investigation for diagnosis of cervical lymph node lesions. Histopathological examination however remains the gold standard for denitive diagnosis of in certain malignant lymph node lesion

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography in ocular surface tumours and simulating lesions.

This study aims to systematically review the reported literature on the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in ocular surface tumours and simulating lesions. A systematic literature search was done using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases between January 2002 and December 2021. On AS-OCT, ocular surface squamous neoplasia typically demonstrate epithelial thickening, epithelial hyperreflectivity, and an abrupt transition between normal and abnormal epithelium. Conjunctival nevi usually show mildly hyperreflective epithelium of normal thickness, internal hyperreflectivity, and intralesional cysts which is the hallmark of this tumour. Primary acquired melanosis presents with normal thickness epithelium, basal epithelial hyperreflectivity, and absence of cysts. Conjunctival melanoma demonstrates hyperreflective normal/thickened epithelium, hyperreflective basal epithelium, internal hyperreflectivity, and absence of intralesional cysts. Conjunctival lymphoma shows homogenous, low-medium reflective subepithelial lesions with smooth borders, and dot-like infiltrates. Benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia findings are similar to lymphoma but the infiltrates are more hyperreflective compared to lymphoma. Pterygium shows thickened conjunctival epithelium, epithelial hyperreflectivity, and subepithelial wedge-shaped hyperreflective tissue separated from the overlying epithelium by a cleavage plane. Pinguecula demonstrates mildly thickened epithelium and similar findings with pterygium but does not extend beyond the corneal limbus. This review shows that AS-OCT, as a noninvasive tool, has potential uses in the differential diagnosis of ocular surface tumoursand simulating lesions. Major limitations of AS-OCT include limited visualization of the posterior border of thick, keratinized, and pigmented tumours and lack of assessment of large conjunctival tumours in a single cut.

Bilateral benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the conjunctiva: a case treated with oral doxycycline and review of the literature

BackgroundTo report a case of bilateral benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH) of the conjunctiva treated with oral doxycycline and perform review of the literature evaluating the presentation, treatment and risk of transformation to lymphoma.Case presentationA case report is described and review of the literature from January 1975 to January 2019 was performed. A 30-year-old man presented with bilateral enlarging fleshy pink medial canthal conjunctival lesions. Incisional biopsy revealed BRLH. Oral doxycycline was initiated (100 mg two times a day) for a total of 2 months. Both lesions decreased in size significantly at the patient’s two-month follow up visit. The residual lesion in the right eye was excised along with an adjacent pterygium and the patient has been free of recurrence for the past 1.5 years. The lesion in the left eye has remained stable in size after cessation of the oral doxycycline. A total of 235 cases of conjunctival BRLH were identified in our literature search. The mean age at diagnosis was 35.2 years (range, 5 to 91 years). BRLH lesions were unilateral in 75% of patients and bilateral in 25% of them. Seven patients (2.9%) had a concurrent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection at the time of lesion appearance. The most common treatments were surgical excision (155/235 or 65.9%) and corticosteroids (30/235 or 12.7%), while 14% (33/235) of the patients were observed and 4.6% (11/235) received external beam radiotherapy alone. Recurrence occurred in ten patients (10/235 or 4.2%), of whom five had undergone surgical excision alone, two excision followed by external beam radiotherapy, one excision and oral corticosteroids, one radiotherapy alone and one had been treated with topical corticosteroids. Overall, only 2 of the 235 reported cases (0.8%) developed malignancy, one localized to the conjunctiva and one systemic.ConclusionsBenign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia is one of the lymphoproliferative disorders of the conjunctiva and ocular adnexa. Extensive literature review shows that most cases are treated with surgery, steroids or observation. Oral doxycycline may be considered an alternative non-invasive treatment of BRLH conjunctival lesions. BRLH lesions warrant careful follow up as they can rarely transform into conjunctival or systemic lymphoma.

The use of high resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography for the characterization of conjunctival lymphoma, conjunctival amyloidosis and benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia

BackgroundConjunctival lymphoma, conjunctival amyloidosis and benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH) are conditions that often have a similar appearance on the ocular surface. The use of high resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT) enables clinicians to evaluate distinctive differences in tissue morphology and cellular patterns in various ocular surface conditions. In this study, we characterize the morphological differences seen in conjunctival lymphoma, conjunctival amyloidosis and BRLH on HR-OCT imaging.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of patients with biopsy proven conjunctival lymphoma, conjunctival amyloidosis and BRLH between 2012 and 2019 at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Patients were excluded if HR-OCT imaging was not performed on initial presentation.ResultsThirty-four total eyes of 27 patients were identified. Twenty eyes had conjunctival lymphoma (16 patients), 8 eyes had conjunctival amyloidosis (6 patients) and 6 eyes had BRLH (5 patients). All conditions appeared clinically as pink, red or yellow subepithelial lesions but had different features on HR-OCT. In lymphoma, HR-OCT images typically showed homogenous, dark subepithelial lesions with smooth borders, containing monomorphic dot-like infiltrates. HR-OCT images of amyloidosis typically showed heterogeneous, dark lesions with irregular borders, often containing hyperreflective linear infiltrates. HR-OCT images of BRLH showed variable infiltration of the subepithelial tissue, at times with homogenous lesions containing dot-like infiltrates like lymphoma and other times with more hyperreflective, subepithelial tissue. Flow cytometry and gene rearrangement was needed for final differentiation between BRLH and lymphoma lesions.ConclusionsDistinctive features on HR-OCT of conjunctival lymphoma, conjunctival amyloidosis and BRLH can help characterize these lesions beyond what is apparent with the clinical examination. Future studies can further validate this technology’s use with more subtle and challenging lesions.

Lacrimal gland tumors in Turkey: types, frequency, and outcomes

To evaluate the clinical, radiological, and treatment features of lacrimal gland tumors. Retrospective review of 99 eyes of 92 patients with lacrimal gland tumors diagnosed and managed in a single institution between January 1999 and March 2017. Clinical and radiological features, histopathology, treatment methods, and prognosis were evaluated. The mean patient age was 40.3 (range: 7-80)y. The diagnosis was made histopathologically in 91 (91.9%) tumors and on a clinical and radiological basis in 8 (8.1%) tumors. Final diagnoses included idiopathic orbital inflammation (pseudotumor) in 46 (46.5%) lesions, pleomorphic adenoma in 14 (14.1%), adenoid cystic carcinoma in 12 (12.1%), granulomatous inflammation in 10 (10.1%), lymphoma in 5 (5.0%), benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in 3 (3.0%), dacryops in 3 (3.0%), carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in 2 (2.0%), adenocarcinoma in 1 (1.0%), dermoid cyst in 1 (1.0%), cavernous hemangioma in 1 (1.0%), and leukemic infiltration in 1 (1.0%). Non-epithelial tumors comprised 64.6% (n=64) of all lacrimal gland tumors, epithelial tumors 32.3% (n=32), dermoid cyst 1% (n=1), cavernous hemangioma 1% (n=1), and leukemic infiltration 1% (n=1). There were in total 78 (78.8%) benign and 21 (21.2%) malignant tumors. Overall, 65% of lacrimal gland tumors were of non-epithelial origin and 32% of epithelial origin. By histopathology and clinical evaluation, 79% of lacrimal gland tumors were benign. The most common lacrimal gland tumors include idiopathic orbital inflammation (46.5%), epithelial (32.3%), and lymphoproliferative (8.1%) lesions.

The impact of IgG-4-ROD on the diagnosis of orbital tumors: A retrospective analysis

ABSTRACTThis study was to determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related orbital disease (IgG4-ROD) among patients who have previously undergone biopsy and were diagnosed to have idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease (IOID) or orbital lymphoproliferative disease (OLD), namely, lymphoma and benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH). This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. The charts and slides of all patients who underwent biopsies and were histopathologically diagnosed to have either IOID or OLD were reviewed. Demographics, clinical features, initial histopathological diagnoses, treatment received, and final outcome were noted. Using the diagnostic criteria for diagnosis for IgG4 disease, those cases that would classify as “possible IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD)” were reviewed, reclassified, and reassigned a diagnosis of IgG4-ROD. We reviewed 105 patients’ clinical charts. Of these 105 patients, upon reviewing the histopathology, 18 (17.15%) patients were found to fit the diagnostic criteria for possible IgG4-ROD. Of these 18 patients who were now reassigned the diagnosis of IgG4-ROD, the most common previous histopathological diagnosis was found to be IOID, for eight patients (44%), then BRLH, which was noted in five patients (27.8%), followed by lymphoma, which was noted in two patients (11.1%). Previously diagnosed cases of IOID and OLD were found to fulfill the criteria for IgG4-ROD. Given the advent of recent diagnostic and histopathological techniques, all cases of suspected IOID and OLD should be screened for IgG4-ROD and all previously diagnosed cases must be closely followed up, given the systemic implication of IgG4-RD. Histopathological reassessment of previously diagnosed cases may be considered.

Clinical Features Differentiating Benign From Malignant Conjunctival Tumors in Children

Conjunctival tumors in children are usually benign and rarely malignant. To evaluate clinical features of conjunctival tumors in children by comparing benign tumors with their malignant counterparts. This retrospective case series reviewed 806 cases of conjunctival tumor in children (aged <21 years) who were evaluated at a tertiary referral center between November 1, 1975, and July 1, 2015. This study included 262 children who were part of a published review. Features of benign and malignant tumors were compared. Data were collected on patient demographics, tumor features, and specific diagnoses to determine findings related to each tumor. Among the 806 patients with conjunctival tumor, the top 5 diagnoses included nevus (492 [61%]), benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH) (38 [5%]), nodular conjunctivitis (31 [4%]), dermoid (30 [4%]), and primary acquired melanosis (27 [3%]). Overall, conjunctival tumors were benign (779 [97%]) or malignant (27 [3%]), including melanoma (18 [2.2%]) and lymphoma (9 [1.1%]). The mean age at detection was 11 years for benign tumors and 14 years for malignant tumors (P = .005), with mean difference of 3 years (95% CI, 1.2-4.6). The relative frequency of any malignancy (per all conjunctival tumors) by age bracket (0-5 years, >5-10 years, >10-15 years, and >15-<21 years) was 1%, 2%, 3%, and 7%, respectively. A comparison between nevus and melanoma found differences with melanoma in the 10 to 15 years age bracket (29% vs 61%; difference of 32% [95% CI, 10%-55%]; P = .006), mean tumor thickness (1.1 mm vs 1.5 mm; difference of 0.4 mm [95% CI, -0.29 mm to 1.12 mm]; P = .04), tumor base of 10 mm or greater (relative risk [RR] = 4.92; 95% CI, 1.73-13.97; P = .003), tumor hemorrhage (RR = 25.30; 95% CI, 11.91-53.78; P < .001), and lack of intrinsic cysts (RR = 5.06; 95% CI, 1.84-13.98; P = .002). A comparison between BRLH and lymphoma revealed lymphoma with a larger base (RR = 5.16; 95% CI, 1.19- 22.19; P = .002) and diffuse location (RR = 16.50; 95% CI, 4.31-63.22; P < .001) and inferior (RR = 12.38; 95% CI, 2.88-53.16; P < .001) or superior vs nasal (RR = 8.25; 95% CI, 1.56-43.51; P = .01). The small cohort of malignant lesions precluded determining if these features were independent of one another. These data, from an ocular tertiary referral center, suggest that conjunctival tumors in children are nearly always benign. The few malignant tumors included melanoma and lymphoma. Melanoma, compared with nevus, was associated with older children (aged >10-15 years) with larger tumor, hemorrhage, and lack of cyst. Lymphoma, compared with BRLH, was associated with larger size and diffuse involvement.

Lymphocytoma cutis on the inguinal region: report of a rare case of benign lymphoproliferative disorder

Lymphocytoma cutis, or benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, is an inflammatory skin lesion that mimics clinically and histologically malignant lymphoma. Most cases are idiopathic, but they may also be triggered by multiple factors, such as insect bites, tattoos, injections and herpes zoster. Clinically, the lesions are erythematous, soft papules, plaques or nodules, usually located on the upper limbs and face. The diagnosis is mainly based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery, PUVA therapy, radiotherapy and surgery can be therapeutic options in cases requiring immediate treatment. To demonstrate an atypical presentation of this tumor, a case lymphocytoma skin on the groin will be reported, describing its diagnosis and treatment.

Virus-associated neoplasms of the nasopharynx and sinonasal tract: diagnostic problems

A significant fraction of nasopharyngeal and sinonasal tumors are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or human papillomavirus (HPV). Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma harbor EBV in practically all cases, although a small proportion of cases of the former harbor HPV. Sinonasal inverted papillomas harbor HPV in about 25% of cases. Sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas harbor transcriptionally active HPV in about 20% of cases, and limited data suggest that this subset has a better prognosis than the HPV-negative subset. This review addresses the diagnostic issues of the EBV-associated tumors. Difficulties in diagnosis of NPC may be encountered when there are prominent crush artifacts, many admixed lymphoid cells masking the neoplastic cells, or numerous interspersed granulomas, whereas benign cellular components (epithelial crypts and germinal centers) and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia can potentially be mistaken for NPC. Immunostaining for pan-cytokeratin and/or in situ hybridization for EBER can help in confirming or refuting a diagnosis of NPC. The main diagnostic problem of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is recognition of the neoplastic nature of those examples predominated by small cells or showing a mixture of cells. The identification of a destructive infiltrate (dense expansile infiltrate; angiocentric growth) and definite cytologic atypia (clear cells; many medium-sized cells) would favor a diagnosis of lymphoma, which can be supported by immunohistochemistry (most commonly CD3+, CD5−, CD56+) and in situ hybridization for EBER. In conclusion, among nasopharyngeal and sinonasal neoplasms, demonstration of EBV may aid in diagnosis, particularly NPC and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. Demonstration of HPV does not have a role yet in diagnosis, although this may change in the future.

Conjunctival Tumors: Review of Clinical Features, Risks, Biomarkers, and Outcomes--The 2017 J. Donald M. Gass Lecture.

Conjunctival tumors encompass a broad range of diagnoses. The 3 most important malignant tumors include ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) (14%), melanoma (12%), and lymphoma (7%). Conjunctival malignancies are rarely found in children. Regarding OSSN, pre-disposing conditions include chronic solar radiation, immune deficiency (HIV), organ transplant, autoimmune conditions, xeroderma pigmentosum, and chronic exposure to cigarette smoke. OSSN is managed surgically or with topical/injection immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Metastasis occurs in <1%. Regarding melanoma, predisposing conditions include primary acquired melanosis (PAM), chronic nevus, and chronic solar radiation. Treatment of PAM or nevus can prevent melanoma. Melanoma management involves surgical resection with clean margins and avoidance of direct tumor manipulation ("no touch" technique). The first surgery is most important, to minimize tumor seeding. Biomarkers including BRAF, TERT, and PTEN provide information regarding risk for metastasis and allow for targeted antibiomarker therapies. Ten-year risk for melanoma metastasis is 25%. Tumors >2 mm thickness or those located in fornix, caruncle, or orbit are at highest risk for metastasis. Regarding lymphoma, predisposing conditions include benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, immune deficiency (HIV), immune dysfunction, and chronic inflammation/infection (Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia psittaci). The 4 most important subtypes include extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (ENMZL), follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Treatment includes surgical resection, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, or targeted anti-B-cell therapy (rituximab). Lymphoma-related survival (5-year) depends on subtype and ranges from 97% (ENMZL) to 9% (MCL). Recognizing conjunctival tumors and understanding predisposing factors, biomarkers, and treatment strategies are vital to patient outcomes.

Benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the conjunctiva in childhood

Background/aimOur aim is to the report the clinical and histopathological features of benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH) of the conjunctiva in children and the outcomes of treatment.MethodsA retrospective chart review...

Conjunctival Tumors in 5002 Cases. Comparative Analysis of Benign Versus Malignant Counterparts. The 2016 James D. Allen Lecture

To evaluate frequency of conjunctival tumors in all ages and compare benign vs malignant counterparts. Retrospective series. setting: Tertiary referral center. Total of 5002 patients. Clinical features. Differentiation of benign from malignant counterparts. The tumor was benign (52%), premalignant (18%), or malignant (30%). Malignant tumors included melanoma (12%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (9%), lymphoma (7%), and others. Comparison of primary acquired melanosis vs melanoma revealed melanoma with greater median patient age (54 vs 61 years, P < .0001), male sex (35% vs 49%, P < .0001), location in fornix (2% vs 6%, P= .0016) and tarsus (1% vs 4%, P= .0018), larger median basal diameter (6 vs 8mm, P < .0001) and thickness (<1 vs 1mm, P < .0001), and intralesional cysts (0% vs 7%, P < .0001), feeder vessels (10% vs 48%, P < .0001), intrinsic vessels (4% vs 33%, P < .0001), and hemorrhage (<1% vs 3%, P= .0001). Comparison of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) vs SCC revealed SCC with greater diffuse involvement (1% vs 8%, P < .0001) and larger median basal diameter (7 vs 8mm, P < .0001) and thickness (1mm vs 2mm, P < .0001). Comparison of benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia vs lymphoma revealed lymphoma with greater median patient age (50 vs 61 years, P < .0001), fornix location (32% vs 54%, P < .0001), larger median basal diameter (10 vs 20mm, P < .0001), and less involvement of nasal region (50% vs 23%, P < .0001). In an ocular oncology practice, conjunctival tumors are benign (52%), premalignant (18%), or malignant (30%). Malignant tumors tend to occur in older patients and demonstrate greater basal diameter and thickness, compared with benign counterparts.

Fine-needle aspiration in a low-resource setting.

Fine-needle aspiration in a low-resource setting.

Flow cytometry CD4+CD26−CD38+ lymphocyte subset in the microenvironment of Hodgkin lymphoma-affected lymph nodes

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is traditionally diagnosed by the presence of neoplastic Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells found in minority within a typical inflammatory microenvironment. It is now recognized that the majority of these T CD4 cells are T regulatory (Treg) and play an important immunosuppressive role and contribute to tumour persistence. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of lymphocytes was performed on lymph node samples over a 12-year period (2000-2012) to identify the Hodgkin-specific subset and potential biomarkers related to Treg cells. CD3, CD19 and T CD4(+)CD26(-)CD38(+) subsets were measured in the lymphocytic infiltrate of 108 consecutive lymph node samples concurrently diagnosed histologically as HL and in 43 cases of benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH). HL, compared to BRLH, shows statistically significant differences within the reactive microenvironmental population: decreased CD19(+) cells (23 % vs 39 %; p < 0.001), increased CD3(+) (74 % vs 58 %; p < 0.001) and CD4(+)CD26(-)CD38(+) cells (38 % vs 11.5 %; p < 0.001). By using the co-expressed markers CD38 and CD26 for logistic analysis, the obtained receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves confirm that the CD4(+)CD26(-)CD38(+) subset is strongly expressed in HL (ROC AUC = 0,8639). Flow cytometric detection of CD4(+)CD26(-)CD38(+) cells seems able to identify the cellular microenvironmental pattern in HL and to distinguish it from BRLH. Although there is extensive experience in flow cytometric analysis of non-HL, it is not routinely applied in cases of HL and our findings suggest that it may be useful in quickly and easily characterizing its cellular para-neoplastic inflammatory background.

Thermography in ocular inflammation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate ocular inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions using commercially available thermal camera. A non-contact thermographic camera (FLIR P 620) was used to take thermal pictures of seven cases of ocular inflammation, two cases of non-inflammatory ocular pathology, and one healthy subject with mild refractive error only. Ocular inflammatory cases included five cases of scleritis, one case of postoperative anterior uveitis, and a case of meibomian gland dysfunction with keratitis (MGD-keratitis). Non-inflammatory conditions included a case of conjunctival benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH) and a case of central serous chorio-retinopathy. Thermal and non-thermal photographs were taken, and using analyzing software, the ocular surface temperature was calculated. Patient with fresh episode of scleritis revealed high temperature. Eyes with MGD-keratitis depicted lower temperature in clinically more affected eye. Conjunctival BRLH showed a cold lesion on thermography at the site of involvement, in contrast to cases of scleritis with similar clinical presentation. Ocular thermal imaging is an underutilized diagnostic tool which can be used to distinguish inflammatory ocular conditions from non-inflammatory conditions. It can also be utilized in the evaluation of tear film in dry eye syndrome. Its applications should be further explored in uveitis and other ocular disorders. Dedicated "ocular thermographic" camera is today's need of the hour.

Ocular adnexal lymphoproliferative disorders in an ophthalmic referral center in Saudi Arabia

PurposeTo study the pattern of ocular adnexal lymphoproliferative disorders (OALD) in an ophthalmic referral center in Saudi Arabia and to review their, histopathological characteristics with clinical correlation. MethodsRetrospective chart review of 40 cases of patients who underwent incisional biopsy with the suspected diagnosis of periocular and/or adnexal lymphoid lesions over the period: 2000–2012 at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The routine histopathologic slides are reviewed by a single pathologist to identify cases of Benign Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia (RLH), Atypical Lymphoid Hyperplasia and probable lymphoma. The identification of the specific types of lymphoma is performed at a tertiary general hospital: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC). ResultsForty patients are included with an age range of 11–91years and a median of 36years. The males constitute 70% and females 30% of the cases. The right eye and/or orbit are involved in 48%. The left eye is involved in 45% while a bilateral disease is found in 7.5%. The median duration of symptoms is 5months. The site distribution is conjunctiva (42.5%), orbit (25%), lacrimal gland (12.5%), eyelid (10%), lacrimal sac (7.5%) and caruncle (2.5%). One case is excluded after histopathologic diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Diagnosis in the remaining 39 cases includes: RLH in 14 cases (35%), atypical lymphoid hyperplasia in three cases (9%), and lymphoma in 22 cases (56%). Classification of the lymphoma group is: extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL) in 9/22 cases (41%), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in 4/22 cases (18%), Castelman’s disease in 3/22 cases (14%), Burkitt’s lymphoma in 2/22 cases (9%), follicular lymphoma and T cell-rich B cell lymphoma: one case each (4.5%).Two cases remain unclassified. ConclusionWe have a wide age range which is comparable to other studies. Our results show male predominance and the commonest site of involvement is conjunctival, however if RLH cases are excluded, the commonest site for lymphoma is orbit/lacrimal gland in 45% followed by conjunctival in 23%. The commonest type of lymphoma is: EMZL in 41% followed by DLBCL in 18% then other types of lymphoma including follicular lymphoma.

Bilateral Benign Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Conjunctiva in a Pediatric Patient

A 13-year-old boy presented with asymptomatic, bilateral, nasal bulbar conjunctival lesions. Excisional biopsy of the larger lesion showed a mature, mixed lymphocytic infiltrate with germinal centers, consistent with a diagnosis of benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, a rare condition in children.

Benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia affecting both the conjunctiva and the cornea

Dear Editor, Benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH), though rare, may be found in the conjunctiva. However, it has not been reported to involve the cornea. We describe a case of BRLH affecting both the conjunctiva and the cornea bilaterally. A 50-year-old woman with hand movements visual acuity over 2 years presented with bilateral corneal opacities (Fig. 1a and b). The dense white stromal opacities were avascular, and had fluffy edges sparing the superotemporal cornea. The corneal surfaces were smooth, and did not stain with fluorescein. She also had a diffuse pink fleshy mass in the bulbar conjunctiva bilaterally, except for the superior portions covered by the upper eyelids. Intraocular pressure measured 30 and 29 mmHg in the right and left eyes respectively. Optical coherence tomography confirmed that the lesion was confined within the inferior corneal stroma (Fig. 1c and d). Conjunctival biopsy showed a diffuse infiltrate of smallsized, well-differentiated lymphocytes with occasional tangible-body macrophages (Fig. 1e). Immunohistochemically, these cells were positive for CD20, CD79a, BCL2, CD3 and CD5 and negative for CD10, CD23 and Cyclin D1. Staining for both κ and 1 light-chains were positive. Systemic investigations did not reveal evidence of infection or lymphoproliferative disorders. The patient underwent a left penetrating keratoplasty (PK), and the corneal button showed deep stromal infiltration of mature lymphoid cells forming follicles with germinal centres (Fig. 1f). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positive CD20, CD79a and some T-cell subsets, while BCL2 immunostaining pattern does not show neoplastic proliferation. There were no light-chain restrictions. Post-operative visual acuity was 6/18, and she elected not to undergo PK for the fellow eye (Fig. 2). No recurrence was noted during the 1-year follow-up period. The corneal stroma is a transparent tissue composed mainly of collagen fibrils and some interspersed population of heterogeneous bone marrow-derived cells [1]. Some reports have shown the normal cornea to contain Tlymphocytes, mainly at the vascularised limbic area and occasionally at the centre, but only confined to the superficial cellular layer [2, 3]. One case series also reported the presence of B-lymphocytes in the superficial epithelial layers and upper third of the fibrous stroma [4]. However, the presence of lymphocytes within the central corneal stroma has not been described. Our patient presented with proliferation of lymphocytes, showing similar immunohistological features in the conjunctiva and the cornea. The presence of lymphoid follicles with germinal centres and a mixture of mature, polyclonal Band T-lymphocytes favour the diagnosis of BRLH rather than lymphoma. As the pattern of distribution was similar in the cornea and the conjunctiva, but sparing the unexposed superior subtarsal area, sun exposure might have been a contributing factor in this infiltration. This paper has not been presented in any conferences.

A clinicopathologic study of excised conjunctival lesions

Purpose:This study was aimed at to determine the frequency of excised conjunctival lesions in a patient population treated over a 10-year period.Materials and Methods:The data of all excised conjunctival lesions with tissue diagnoses from 1998 to 2008 in the pathology department were analyzed.Results:The patient group comprised 192 conjunctival specimens; 106 (55.2%) obtained from male patients and 86 (44.8 %) from female patients. The age range was 75 years with a mean age of 27.07 ± 17 years. The most frequent excised lesions were pyogenic granulomas, which represented 30.7% (59 cases). Pigmented epithelial tumors were the second most common benign conjunctival lesions (44 cases, 22.9%). Out of these cases, compound nevus represented 86.4% (38 cases) and junctional nevus represented 6.8% (3 cases). Primary acquired melanosis and subepithelial nevus were reported in two cases (4.5%) and one case (2.3%), respectively. Cystic lesions represented 12% (23 cases). These were mostly ductal retention cysts in 16 cases (70%), occupying the fornix in eight cases. Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) was detected in 21 cases (10.9%) significantly affecting an older age group as compared to other lesions (mean age 45.9 ± 16.7). Other less frequent lesions included papilloma (10 cases, 2.5%), dermolipoma (8 cases, 4.2%), solid dermoid (3 cases, 1.6%), hemangioma (15 cases, 7.8%), and benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (four cases, 2.1%).Conclusion:Benign lesions were the most frequent histologically diagnosed conjunctival lesions. The true malignant lesions were lower than what has been described in many reports. The significant proportion of precancerous OSSN can be attributed to sun exposure and ultraviolet light in Egypt.