Mycobacterial Pseudotumor



Mycobacterial Pseudotumor


Elizabeth A. Montgomery, MD









Hematoxylin & eosin at low magnification of a mycobacterial spindle cell tumor shows a loosely lobulated proliferation of epithelioid cells with a background of lymphoplasmacytic cells.






Acid-fast bacteria stain highlights numerous organisms in the proliferating spindled histiocytes image. The diagnosis is easy to make as long as it is considered.


TERMINOLOGY


Definitions



  • Exuberant spindle cell lesion, usually involving lymph nodes, induced by mycobacteria


CLINICAL ISSUES


Presentation



  • Immunocompromised patients



    • Majority have AIDS



      • Often also have evidence of systemic infection with Mycobacterium avium complex organisms


    • Examples reported in individuals with immune comprise from entities other than AIDS



      • e.g., lupus on long-term steroid treatment


    • Seldom encountered in USA recently since many patients are better treated for their HIV disease



      • Reports peaked in early 1990s


Treatment



  • Drugs



    • Antimycobacterial drugs


Prognosis



  • Good after treatment of infection

Jul 9, 2016 | Posted by in PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Mycobacterial Pseudotumor

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