Variation in the histological pattern of nodal involvement by gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma

Aims Gamma-delta (γδ) T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) usually present with liver, spleen and marrow infiltration. Lymph node involvement by γδ T-cell NHL has been rarely documented so far; its histological pattern needs to be further defined. Methods and results Two cases of nodal γδ T-cell NHL are reported: case 1, a 44-year-old man, presented with cytomegalovirus retinitis and superficial lymphadenopathies. Histological analysis of an inguinal lymph node showed complete destruction by a diffuse pleomorphic lymphoid proliferation, which was positive for CD2, CD3, CD43, CD45, TIA-1 and granzyme B, and displayed a γδ phenotype (δTCR1+, Vδ1+, Vδ2−, Vδ3−, βF1−). Bone marrow was normal. Case 2, a male 24-year-old patient with a history of renal transplantation, presented with hepatosplenomegaly and supraclavicular lymph node enlargement. Lymph node architecture was globally preserved. Peripheral sinuses contained scattered nests of medium-sized irregular lymphoid cells. Bone-marrow was infiltrated. Phenotype showed positivity for CD2, CD3, CD45 and TIA1 and expression of γδ TCR (δTCR1+, δV1+, δV2−, δV3−, βF1−). Both patients died a short time after diagnosis. Conclusions These observations suggest that at least two forms of nodal γδ T-cell NHL may be encountered: one mimicking classical αβ T-cell NHL, with diffuse pleomorphic cell proliferation, and one displaying sinusoidal neoplastic infiltration suggesting a close relationship with hepatosplenic γδ T-cell NHL.