Sinus Histiocytosis with Massive Lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman Disease): A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare histiocytic proliferative disorder of unknown etiology. Usually it presents with massive painless cervical lymph node enlargement. Histologically, it shows proliferation of distinctive histiocytic cells that demonstrate emperipolesis in the background of a mixed inflammatory infiltrates. Immunohistochemically, the cells are positive for markers such as CD68 and S100.

Objective To report a case of a 12-year-old patient with multiple sites of cervical lymphadenitis, which was diagnosed as RDD histopathologically as well as immunohistologically.

Resumed Report A 12-year-old girl presented with multiple painless sites of cervical lymphadenitis without any systemic and other ear, nose, and throat manifestations. The biopsy report of the lymph node showed dilatation of the sinuses, filled with histiocytes having foamy cytoplasm. Many of the histiocytes were engulfing mature lymphocytes. The sinus histiocytes were strongly positive for S-100 protein.

Conclusion RDD must be considered in the differential diagnosis of massive or multiple lymphadenopathies.

Keywords

sinus histiocytosis - massive lymphadenopathy - Rosai-Dorfman disease

Introduction

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML), which is also known as Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), is a rare histiocytic proliferative disorder of unknown etiology initially described by Rosai and Dorfman in 1969.[1] RDD can occur in any age group but is most commonly seen in children and young adults.[2] Usually it presents with massive painless lymph node enlargement at any site, with the cervical nodes being common. Histologically, lymph nodes show pericapsular fibrosis and dilated sinuses, heavily infiltrated with large histiocytes, lymphocytes, and plasma cells.[1] [3] Immunohistochemically, the sinus histiocytes are strongly positive for S-100 protein.[4]

Though various modes of treatment like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical debulking have been tried, all have shown limited efficacy. The course of the disease is somewhat variable, from complete spontaneous remission in some cases to protracted clinical disease for years in other cases. The possibility of involvement of vital organs leading to death is also mentioned in some cases.

Review of Literature with Differential Diagnosis

RDD commonly presents with massive bilateral and painless cervical lymphadenopathy with fever, night sweating, and weight loss. Extranodal involvement has been documented in 25 to 40% of cases, and organs such as skin, respiratory tract, reticuloendothelial system, genitourinary tract, and thyroid are commonly involved.

Ju et al reported a case of RDD in a 26-year-old man with cervical and mediastinal lymphadenopathy with pleural effusion in 2009.[5] Agarwal et al reviewed seven cases (five nodal and two extranodal) of RDD. Of these, five patients were followed.[6] However, four had stable disease, and one developed histiocytic sarcoma after a gap of 4 years. Zhu et al found more purely extranodal RDD involving the central nervous system on retrospectively analyzing 13 cases of RDD.[7]

Clinically, the nodal type of RDD should be differentiated from lymphoma and any other causes of chronic lymphadenitis, such as tubercular lymphadenitis, Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, among others. Histologically, the disease must be differentiated from Langerhans cell histiocytosis and infectious and lymphoproliferative disorders as well as sinus hyperplasia. S-100 positivity can usually distinguish between the latter condition and RDD, whereas in both conditions the histiocytes have a strong macrophage antigen expression.[4]

Case Report

A 12-year-old girl visited the ENT & Head and Neck Surgery Out Patient Department with presentation of bilateral multiple painless swelling in neck of 2 months' duration. She also complained of mild to moderate fever and weakness. Her general physical condition looked normal.

Examination of the neck revealed enlarged lymph node on both sides ([Figs. 1] and [2]). Left side examination noted level II (3 × 4 cm²), level III (2 × 1 cm²), and level V (3 × 3 cm²) lymph nodes palpable with scar at a previous biopsy site (taken somewhere else). Similarly, the right side revealed level IB (3 × 3 cm²), level III (1 × 1 cm²), and level V (4 × 3 cm²) lymph nodes. All the lymph nodes were found to be firm, well defined, nontender, and mobile. Examination of ear, nose, oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx revealed normal findings.

Fig. 1 Multiple massive cervical lymphadenopathy on right side.

Fig. 2 Cervical lymphadenopathy with scar on left side of neck.

Routine blood investigations revealed polymorphonuclear leukocytosis and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (55 mm/h). Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was inconclusive. Ultrasonography (USG) of the neck showed multiple enlarged lymph nodes in both sides of the neck, suspicious of lymphoma. USG of the abdomen and pelvis showed normal findings.

Because a previous biopsy taken elsewhere was inconclusive, a revision biopsy was taken and sent for histopathologic examination. Histopathology showed a gross appearance of well-encapsulated brownish tissue measuring 1.8 × 1.5 cm², and cut sections showed homogenous white areas. Microscopic examination of the sections of lymph node showed dilatation of the sinuses, filled with histiocytes having foamy cytoplasm. Many of the histiocytes were seen engulfing mature lymphocytes (emperipolesis; [Figs. 3] and [4]). The histopathologic diagnosis was RDD, which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The histiocytic cells were S-100-positive.

Fig. 3 Section with hematoxylin and eosin stain under 20 × 100 magnification: dilated sinuses with histiocytes.

Fig. 4 Section with hematoxylin and eosin stain under 40 × 100 magnification: characteristic emperipolesis.

The patient was started on oral prednisolone in tapering dose with continuation of low dose for 1 month. Her condition was improved at first follow-up after 1 week, and she will be followed further.

Discussion

RDD is a rare, idiopathic, histiocytic proliferative disorder. Consequently, many characteristics of this disease remain unknown, restricting early diagnosis and proper treatment. Various theories have been implicated as an etiology; however, there is no strong evidence for any of them.

The presentation of the disease also varies with site of involvement. Commonly it presents with massive cervical lymphadenopathy. But extranodal involvement has also been documented in around 40% of cases, the most common being skin followed by upper respiratory tract and bone.[8] However, RDD also can occur in a variety of other sites, including the genitourinary system, lower respiratory tract, oral cavity, and soft tissues.[9] Other reported specific sites include brain, spine, liver, kidney, thyroid, breast, parotid gland, orbit, nasal cavity, and lungs.

The characteristic pathologic feature of this disease is proliferation of distinctive histiocytic cells that demonstrate emperipolesis (the engulfment of lymphocytes and erythrocytes by histiocytes) in the background of a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, consisting of moderately abundant plasma cells and lymphocytes.[3] Immunohistochemically, SHML cells express phagocytic markers such as CD68 and S100, but not the markers for Langerhans (CD1a) or dendritic cells (DRC, CD23, and CNA42).[2]

Pulsoni et al reviewed case reports of 80 patients who received various modes of treatments.[9] The study showed all of the treatment modalities including chemotherapy and radiotherapy were ineffective; however, surgical debulking when required was effective. Spontaneous resolution of adenopathies is frequently observed so that clinical observation without treatment is advisable when possible. Systemic corticosteroids are usually helpful in decreasing nodal size and symptoms; however, they can be quite immunosuppressive and RDD lesions can recur after a short period of interruption.[9] Although Oka et al reported an effective prolonged course of low-dose prednisolone in a case of RDD with skin and lymph node involvement with respiratory obstruction, its role cannot be generalized.[10]

Final Comments

RDD must be considered in the differential diagnosis of young patients who exhibit massive or multiple lymphadenopathies, especially when involvement of the cervical area occurs. The disease can be diagnosed on the histopathologically and immunohistochemically.

• References

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• 5 Ju J, Kwon YS, Jo KJ , et al. Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy: a case report with pleural effusion and cervical lymphadenopathy. J Korean Med Sci 2009; 24 (4) 760-762
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• 9 Pulsoni A, Anghel G, Falcucci P , et al. Treatment of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman disease): report of a case and literature review. Am J Hematol 2002; 69 (1) 67-71
• 10 Oka M, Kamo T, Goto N , et al. Successful treatment of Rosai-Dorfman disease with low-dose oral corticosteroid. J Dermatol 2009; 36 (4) 237-240