Mediastinal mixed dendritic cell sarcoma with hybrid features. Issue 10 (1st October 2002)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dillon, K M; Hill, C M; Cameron, C H S; Attanoos, R L; McCluggage, W G
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 55:Issue 10(2002)
• Page Start: 791
• Page End: 794
• Publication Date: 2002-10-01
• Subjects: electron microscopy -- immunohistochemistry -- follicular dendritic cell sarcoma -- interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma; EBV, Epstein-Barr virus -- FDC, follicular dendritic cell -- IDC, interdigitating dendritic cell; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.55.10.791
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : This report describes a recurrent sarcoma involving the soft tissues of the posterior mediastinum with features of both follicular dendritic and interdigitating dendritic cells. Histologically, the tumour, which was a recurrent neoplasm 19 years after the initial removal, was composed of bland spindle shaped cells with interspersed inflammatory cells, predominantly lymphocytes. Immunohistochemically, the spindle cells were positive for S100 protein, CD45, CD68, and vimentin, but negative for CD21 and CD35 (markers of follicular dendritic cells). The immunophenotype was in keeping with interdigitating dendritic cells. However, ultrastructural examination demonstrated elongated cell processes joined by desmosome-like junctions—features in keeping with follicular dendritic cells. Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma and interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma are rare neoplasms and a high index of suspicion is required to make a correct diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry and/or electron microscopy are required for a definitive diagnosis. This case shows that hybrid neoplasms can occur, which have features of both follicular and interdigitating dendritic cells.